The
type of explosives have been catogarised as category X,Y, Z, and
ZZ and for various purposes, either licence or approval is
required.

The
salient feature of Explosives Rules have been stated in the
“Introduction Part “. The purpose for which licences are
required have been stated in ‘Licensed Premises’ and the
purpose for which approval is required have been stated in
‘Approved Premises’.

Licence
is required for manufacture, storage, ( possession ) for sale
and/or use, transport, import, export of explosives, display of
fireworks or for special purpose not covered in the Rules. The
details regarding Shot Firer’s permit have been stated in
‘Licensed Premises’.

“Explosives” means gunpowder, nitrogycerine, nitroglycol, gun-cotton, di-nitro-toluene,
tri-nitro-toluene, picric acid, di-nitro-phenol, tri-nitro-resorcinol (styphnic
acid), cyclo-trimethylene-trinitramine, penta-erythritol-tetranitrate, tetry1,
nitorguanidine, lead azide, lead styphynate, fulminate of mercury or any other
metal, diazo-di-nitro-phenol, coloured fires or any other substance, whether a
single chemical compound or a mixture of substances, whether solid or liquid or
gaseous used or manufactured with a view to produce a practical effect by
explosion or pyrotechnic effect; and includes fog-signals, fireworks, fuses,
rockets, percussion caps, detonators, cartridges, ammunition of all descriptions
and every adaptation or preparation of an explosive as defined in this clause;
(see item d of section 4 of the Explosives Act, 1884).

Authorised
explosives:

“ANFO”
means an explosives mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil

.

Amorces
in the form of caps or tapes for toy pistol consisting of dots of explosives
composition (mixture of potassium chlorate, sulpher, red phosphorous & gum)
approved by the Chief Controller and in proportion not exceeding 4.5 grams of composition
to every 1000

“Chinese
Cracker” having paper shells of size not exceeding 75 mm in length and 15 mm
in diameter containing gunpowder, nitrate mixture or white powder mixture or an
explosive composition approved by the Chief Controller.

Crackers
commonly known as “Atom Bombs” made with gunpowder nitrate mixture or an
explosive composition (white powder) approved by the Chief Controller, wrapped up
in a paper and tied round with string the whole not exceeding 25 grams in
weight, 40 mm in length and 20 mm in diameter

“Detonator”
means a small tube of aluminium or copper or other materials approved

by the Chief Controller-

a) One end of which is closed and the other –

(i)
Left open of the insertion of safety fuse for the purpose of initiating
explosion within the tube; or

(ii)
Fitted with wires or other device for that purpose and sealed;

b)
Which is loaded with a charge of initiating explosives,. the charge being
so designed as to produce an explosion that would communicate to other tube
similarly constructed and charged;

“ Fireworks “ means coloured fires or any other substance
whether a single chemical compound or a mixture of substances, whether solid or
liquid or gaseous used or manufactured with a view to produce a practical effect
by explosion or pyrotechnic effect; and includes fog-signals, quick fuses

“Liquid Oxygen
Explosives (LOX)” means an absorbent carbonaceous
material such as wood pulp. carbon black, metal powder, coal dust etc.
impregnated with liquid air or liquid oxygen with or without the addition of
other substances

"Magazine”
means a building specially constructed in accordance with a design approved by
the Chief Controller and intended for storage of more than 5 kg of explosives.
Refer: -Specification no. 6 of Schedule VII

“Maroons”
containing an explosive composition (white powder) in paper tube having diameter not
more than of 25mm and length not more than 100mm and weight as may be approved by the Chief Controller.

"Protected
works” includes –

(a) Buildings in which persons dwell, work or assemble, college school,
hospital, theatre, cinema house, factory, place of storage of hazardous
substances;

(b) Any public road or railway line or navigable waterways or dams and
reservoirs;

c) Overhead trunk high-tension power lines; but does not include footpath,
cart tracks not in regular use, agricultural wells and pump sets connected there

“Rocket”
of size not exceeding 76 mm in length and 25.4 mm in diameter provided it is not
a metal case and fitted wooden stick containing gun powder as propellant

"Safety
cartridge” means a cartridge for small arms having a diameter not exceeding
2.5 cm the case of which can be extracted for the small-arms after firing and
which is so closed as to prevent any explosion in one cartridge being
communicated to other cartridges

“Safety
fuse” means a fuse for igniting charges of other explosives which burn and
does not explode and which does not contain its own means of ignition, and which
is of such strength and construction and contains an explosives in such quantity
that the burning of such fuse would not communicate laterally with other like
fuse

“Sparklers”
(including Electric Sparklers) each consisting of wire having affixed thereto a
mixture of nitrate of barium, aluminium powder, magnesium powder, iron filings,
dextrin and gum, the total weight of composition so fixed to each such wire not
to exceed 22 grams provided that such sparklers shall be so constructed as not
to allow any hot residue to become detached either during, or after combustion

“Store house”
means a building other than a magazine for storage of certain types of
explosives Example:- fireworks, sparklers, safety fuse. Refer: -Specification no.
7 of Schedule VII

If any question arises as to whether any
explosives belongs to Category X, Category Y, Category Z or Category ZZ, the
matter shall be referred to the Chief Controller whose decision shall be final.

The
safety distance depends on the catagory of explosives. In this connection please
see table of safety distances mentioned in the Schedule VIII to the Explosives
Rules,1983. The explosives are also categorised by UN No.

“Nitrate-mixture” means any preparation, other than
gunpowder which is formed by the mechanical mixture of a nitrate with any form
of carbon or with any carbonaceous substance not possessed of explosives
properties, whether Sulphur be or be not added to such preparation, and whether
such preparation be or be not mechanically mixed with any other non-explosive
substance, and includes any explosive containing a perchlorate and not being a
chlorate-mixture, fulminate or nitro-compound as defined in this Schedule.

Class 3- Nitro-compound Class

“Nitro-compound” means
any chemical compound which is possessed of explosive properties or is capable
of combining with metals to from an
explosive compound, and is produced by the chemical action of nitric acid
(whether mixed or not, with sulphuric acid), or of a nitrate mixed with
sulphuric acid, upon any carbonaceous substance, whether such compound is
mechanically mixed with other substances or not.

The Nitro-compounds further
divided into two divisions namely Division 1 and Division 2.

Division 1, comprising any
chemical compound or mechanically mixed preparation which consists, either
wholly or partly, of nitro-glycerine or some other liquied nitro-compound that
is such explosives as Ballistite, Blasting Gelatine, Cordite, Dynamite, Gelatine
Dynamite, Gelignite, etc.

Division 2 comprising any
nitro-compound, which is not comprised in Division 1 that is explosives such as
Ammonal, E.C. Sporting Powder, gun-cotton, Picric Acid, Smokeless Dimond,
Trinitro-toluol (T.N.T.)_ etc.

Division 1, comprising any
chlorate preparation which consists partly of nitro-glycerine or of some other
liquid nitro-compound.

Division 2, comprising any
chlorate mixture which is not comprised in Division 1.

Class 5 –Fulminate Class

“Fulminate” means any
chemical compound or mechanical mixture whatever, which from its great
susceptibility to detonation, is suitable for employment in percussion-caps or
any other appliances for developing detonation, or which, from its extreme
sensibility to explosion, and from its great instability (that is to say,
readiness to undergo decomposition from very slight exciting causes), is
specially dangerous.

The Fulminate class consists
of two divisions namely division 1 and division 2.

Division 1 comprising such
compounds as the Fulminate of sliver and of mercury, and preparations of those
substances such as are used in percussion caps, and any preparation consisting
of a mixture of chlorate with phosphorus, or certain descriptions of compounds
of phosphorous, with or without the addition of carbonaceous matter, and any
preparation consisting of a mixture of a chlorate with sulphur or with sulphuret,
with or without carbonaceous matter.

Division 2 comprises such
substances as the chloride and the Iodide of Nitrogen, Fulminating Gold and
Silver, Diazobenol and the Nitrate of Diazobenzol, Lead Azide and Tetrazine.

Class 6—Ammunition Class

“Ammunition” means an
explosive of any of the foregoing classes when the same is enclosed in any case
or contrivance, or is otherwise adapted or prepared so as to form: (a) a
cartridge or charge for small arms, cannon or any other weapon, or (b) a safety
or other fuse for blasting or for shells, or (c) a tube for firing explosive, or
(d) a percussion cap, detonator, fog signal, shell, torpedo, war rocket or any
other contrivance other than a firework.

Division 2 comprises any
ammunition which does not contain its own means of ignition and is not included
in Division 1, such as cartridges for small arms other than safety cartridge,
cartridges and charges for cannon shells and torpedoes containing any
explosives, tubes for firing explosives, and war rocket, which do not contain
their own means of ignition.

Division 3 comprises any
ammunition which contains its own means of ignition and is not included in
Division 1, such as detonators, fuses for blasting which are not safety fuses,
tubes for firing explosives, containing their own means of ignition.

Note: The expression “ammunition containing its own means
of ignition” means ammunition having an arrangement, whether attached to or
forming part of the ammunition which is adapted to explode or fire the
ammunition by friction or percussion “Percussion cap” does not include a
detonator.

Division 1 comprises
fireworks composition that is to say, any chemical compound or mechanically
mixed preparation of an explosive of inflammable nature, which is used for the
purpose of making manufactured firework, and is not an explosive of classes
1,2,3,4,5 & 6, any star and any coloured fire composition:

Provided that a substantially constructed hermetically
closed metal case, containing not more than 500 gms of coloured fire composition
of such a nature, as not to be liable to spontaneous ignition shall be deemed to
be “a manufactured firework” and not a “firework composition”.

Division 2 fireworks
comprises manufactured fireworks i.e. to say any explosive of class 1,2,3,4 or 6
and any fireworks composition when such explosive or composition is enclosed in
any case or contrivance or other articles specially adapted, for the production
of pyrotechnic effect for pyrotechnic signal or sound signals.

Sub-division 1 of Division 2
fireworks comprises low hazard fireworks which, in the opinion of Chief
Controller are relatively innocuous
in themselves and are not liable to explode violently or all at once e.g.
sparklers [ chinese crackers, serpents, etc.]20

Division 4 comprises
manufactured fireworks for use of Armed Forces of the Union.

Class 8—Liquid Oxygen Explosives Class

“Liquid Oxygen explosives” means an absorbent carbonaceous material
such as wood pulp. carbon black, metal powder, coal dust etc. impregnated with
liquid air or liquid oxygen with or without the addition of other substances

Under
the Explosives Rules, 1983, different types of licences are granted for
different purposes. The general exemption and various purposes,
licence forms and licensing authority have been stated earlier in
the manual under the chapter ‘Authority & Responsibility of
Department of Explosives’, and also under sub-chapter ‘Introduction of
Explosives Rules, 1983’

Different
purposes for different type of licences have been stated in left hand side
buttons. The detailed procedure as to what to submit, how to prepare
the documents, how to fill up the forms, how to construct the premises,
what the Department of Explosives checks and scrutinize, what are the
various stages for grant of licence etc.have been mentioned in the
appropriate purpose/forms of licences under the Explosives Rules, 1983.

Manufacture
of Explosives is the most hazardous operation. The hazards of
explosives depend upon the type and category of explosives.
Therefore the safety provisions are different depending on manufacture of
the type and category of explosives. The detailed procedure as to
what to submit, how to prepare the documents, how to fill up the forms,
how to construct the premises, what the Department of Explosives checks
and scrutinizes, what are the various stages for grant of licence etc.,
for the appropriate purpose/forms of licences have been stated in left
hand side buttons

The licence in form-20 under the Explosives Rules, 1983 is granted to
manufacture Explosives eg., fire works, gun powder, high explosives, detonators
in a factory premises .

Note :

Please see licence
form-20 given in the
Explosives Rules, 1983 & Article 1(a)--(d) of Schedule IV to the
Explosives Rules, 1983.

For
definition of fireworks, gunpowder and high explosives please see
Schedule 1 to the Explosives Rules, 1983.

2.
Licensing Authority (i.e, the authority empowered to grant the above
said licence).

As per the Explosives Rules,
1983, there are different licensing authorities for the manufacture of
explosives depending on the quantity and type of explosives as under:

For
manufacture of fire works/ gun powder not exceeding 15 kgs at a time,
the licence is granted by the District Authority.

For
manufacture of fire works/gun powder exceeding 15 kgs but not
exceeding 200 kgs at a time, the licence is granted by the respective Circle
office of the Department of Explosives.

For
manufacture of fireworks/gunpowder exceeding 200 kgs or for manufacture of
any quantity of high explosives detonators, the licences are granted by the
Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur.

3.
Procedure : In this section the details of the following procedure are stated:

a) Grant of
licence

b) Renewal of
licence

c) Amendment
of licence

d) Checklist
during inspection

A. Grant of Licence:
Procedure at a glance :

Various
on-line steps in sequence for grant of licence in form-20 are as under:

APPLICANT ACTION: First
applicant submits drawings and the other required documents to the
licensing authority for getting construction approval of the proposed
premises.

DEPARTMENTAL
ACTION: If the documents are in order meeting all the safety provisions
of Rules,DOE, on the basis of documents received from the applicant forwards
it alongwith other documents to the concerned District Magistrate for NOC.

DA’s
ACTION

DEPTT.
ACTION : ON RECEIPT OF NOC, DRAWINGS

Approval
of the drawing by the licensing authority for construction of the facilities
in the proposed premises.

APPLICATION
ACTION: After completion of construction of the facilities, applicants
submits drawings and the other required documents to the licensing authority
for grant of licence of the factory premises.

DEPARTMENTAL
ACTION : On scrutiny, if all the documents are found in order by the
licensing authority.

Before
actually sending the licence to the licencee by the officer of the
Department of Explosives.

Department
Inspection : all factory premises inspected facilitates their
distances etc are verified and if found confirming to Explosives Rules,
licence are endorsed and sent to the licencee.

The detailed
step by step procedure as stated above are as under:

Applicants
Action:- Submission of documents by applicant for construction approval:

Applicant must submit the
following documents to the licensing authority for prior approval for
construction of facilities:

Application
form-3 duly filled in and signed by the applicant/authorised
employee. Typed copy of form-3 (given in the Explosives Rules, 1983) is
acceptable. Please note that no column of the form should be left blank.
Inapplicable columns should be filled as NA i.e., not applicable. Full
postal address with pin code should be written. No overwriting or major
corrections will be accepted.

Six
copies of drawings (blue print or computerized one without hand
correction). Each copy of drawing must show the details of site, layout,
construction, sectional, elevation view, blast walls/mounds, if applicable
and necessary noting and write up as stated below:

plans
of the proposed buildings and the site drawn to scale. These
site plan should show full approach road net work to the factory/or
premises;

a
description of situation, character and construction of all mounds,
buildings (production, non-production, stores, administrative,
etc.) and safety distances observed by each building;

description
of process/work to be carried out in each building or part, thereof;

a
description of plant and equipment and its location provided in each
building or part thereof;

a
description of explosives and ingredients thereof, whether wholly or
partially mixed that will be present in any building or machine at any
one time;

a
description of maximum number of persons to be employed and maximum
quantity of explosives at any time in each building;

a
description of any special constructions which the applicant may
propose by reason of special circumstances, arising from the
locations, situation or construction of any building or works, or the
nature of process or otherwise;

prescribed
scrutiny fee;

in
case where applications is made in the name of a company, the names
and addresses of Directors and partners and the name, address
correspondence in respect of licence applied for. Any change in
such names and addresses should be immediately communicated to the
licensing authority.

Regarding site: The site
plan must show the proposed premises and details of all the structures like
roads, road-directions, residential area, other buildings, structures,
adjoining properties, name of the adjoining factories, approach road, the
distances from the km stone, road junction etc beyond the safety zone radius
on all sides around the proposed premises, as per scale. Specific clearance
observed by the proposed premises with regards to the nearest building and any
open source of fire or over-head electric line, if any should be clearly
indicated.

Note:

The
purpose of the key/site plan is to identify and demarcate the location of
the premises. In many cases the area up to the safety zone is open land
and hence such cases does not fulfil the main purpose. Sometimes reference
structures lie or located much beyond the safety zone. Therefore all such
reference structures (even not coming within the scale of the drawing) for
example the nearest km stone, road crossing with road directions, temple,
village, schools, hospitals, canals, rivers, railway line or other such
immovable reference structures along with approach road to the premises
may also be incorporated in the site details for proper identification of
the location and approach to the premises.

The
applicant should ensure and confirm that the site selected for the
proposed premises should have a clear title or undisputed legal status.

The
proposed premises should have proper access and approach road for the
purpose of inspection, fire-fighting and rescue operation, movement of
fire-tenders etc.

The
purpose of the site plan is to identify and demarcate the location of the
premises. In many cases the area up to safety zone is open land and hence
such cases does not fulfill the main purpose. Sometimes reference
structures lie or located much beyond the safety zone. Therefore all such
reference structures (even not coming within the scale of the drawing) for
example the nearest km stone, road crossing with road directions, temple,
village, schools, hospitals, canals, rivers, railway line or other such
immovable reference structures along with approach road to the premises
may also be incorporated in the site details for proper identification of
the location and approach to the premises.

The
proposed premises should have proper access and approach road for the
purpose of movement of explosive van, inspection, fire-fighting and rescue
operation, movement of fire-tenders etc.

The
proposed site should no way interfere or bring legal confrontation with
other Acts and Rules administered by the Central Govt., State Govt., local
authority etc. and in no way adversely affect the public interest.

The
proposed site should have preferably open land surrounding it and should
not be vulnerable to natural calamities.

Regarding layout:purpose

This
depends on type of explosives and will be

stated
later during describing manufacture of

Regarding
sectional view:

Different
type of explosives

Regarding
mound:purpose

Regarding
noting:purpose

Departmental Action :
Forwarding of draft licence to DM for NOC.

The documents
submitted by the applicant are verified and proper scrutiny are exercised as
follows:-

The
application
form-3
submitted by the party are checked to confirm that
the proper mailing address, signature of the party and all other relevant
columns have been duly filled in by the applicant. No overwriting or major
corrections are entertained. Minor correction if any, are attested by the
applicant.

The
application form 17 is duly filled in and signed showing the
distances actually observed.

Verification of drawing

The
following check are carried out:-

In the site
plan of the drawing whether proper road direction with approach has been shown
for exact identification of location. Khasra no., distances from other
existing structures etc. has to be shown in the plan. If most of the distances
have been given but in case there is any inadvertent omission regarding
distance from proposed premises to few surrounding structure/facilities then
such distance(s) will be read as per scale given in the drawing.

Sectional
view and mounds if required must properly shown or not. Necessary noting and
full address of the situation of the premises have been incorporated in
the drawing. Drawing should preferably be signed by the applicant or
authorised employee (in case of company). Any other additional instruction of
CCE/Licensing authority and various guideline have to be complied with.

After necessary scrutiny of documents as referred above if, the documents are
found in order and conforming to the Explosives Rules-1983, then draft licence
alongwith
form-3,
form-18 drawing are forwarded to the concerned District
Magistrate under intimation to the party. During forwarding for NOC, the
District Magistrate is informed regarding the provision of relevant
rules of the Explosives Rules 1983.

Issue
of NOC : DA’s Action : The party has to ensure that construction of
facilities and the premises are confined within the NOC land.

Department
Action : After receipt of draft licence alongwith its enclosure and
NOC from the concerned District Magistrate the approval is accorded for
construction of premises to the party with advice to submit the required
documents for grant of licence after completion of the construction as per the
approved drawing. The licensing authority may impose conditions as deemed
proper. Approval is generally given for a certain period. In many cases it is
seen that after taking approval and laps of considerable time and party even
does not apply for grant of license for one reason or the other. In the mean
time if Rules are amended or revised and the revised executive orders from
Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur are issued then this entails
complicated situation both for the party and the licensing authority. To
overcome these difficulties, approval is considered valid for 6 month and may
be renewable for another 6 months on request. After receipt of the approval,
the party may start construction of the facilities in the proposed premises as
per the approved drawing and after completion of the construction the
documents are submitted by the party for grant of license.

It
is stated that as per Explosives Rules, constructional approval is issued
only after receipt of NOC from District Authority. In some cases it is
seen that the NOC is considerably delayed and as a consequence, grant of
approval is accordingly. In this connection it is pertinent to add
that as per sub rule 9 of rule 156 of the Explosives Rules 1983, “The
district authority shall complete his enquiry under sub rules (4) to (7)
and forward the report to the licensing authority as expeditiously as
possible but not latter than six months of the date of reference made by
the licensing authority”.

The
purpose of NOC is to ensure the lawful possession of the site and
verification of antecedent of the applicant.

Submission of documents by the
applicants for grant of licence (Applicant Action):-

After completion of the
facilities the applicant is required to submit the following documents:-

Appropriate
Bank Draft as licence fee payable in same manner as mentioned during
approval.

If the documents are found in order and the licensing authority is
satisfied that there is no legal constraint in grant of licence then the licence
can be granted. However, the licensing authority is to inspect the premises
prior to grant of licence for endorsement (rule161). The violations or
discrepancies noticed during the inspection must be complied with and the
compliance report are submitted for verification and there after the licence
will be endorsed and issued to the party.

Note:
The methods/documents to be submitted for obtaining licence in form
20 for manufacture of explosives varies with the types of explosives intended to
be manufactured. So manufacture of
different types of explosives have been mentioned separately.

the
detail process starting from the raw materials, to the finished product
describing the plant and equipment, quantities of materials handled,
operating conditions and parameters, nature of controls and safety
devices provided, the proposed method of treating effluents and waste
explosives;

the
nature and composition of the explosives;

the
limiting percentage of each ingredient of explosives;

the
specification of the various raw materials including substitutes, if
any, used in the process of manufacture;

physical
and chemical characteristics of final product viz. VOD, COD,
sensitivity, density, impact, strength and any other relevant
characteristics.

The site plan should show all three types of safety
distances as per the safety distance table annexed to the Explosives Rules,
1983, i.e. inside (inner) safety distance (ISD), Intra Plant Safety Distance
i.e. Plant ISD (PISD), outside (outer) safety distance (OSD) around each process
unit. The area coming within ISD must be within the possession of the
applicant and within the boundary wall or fencing. The site plan must also
show the locations of all the magazines attached to the factory and half of the
OSD of each of the magazines must be within the control of the applicant.

The layout plan must show the network of approach
road/path ways within the factory area to every building/shed of the factory,
details of mounds around every process building (specification of mounds should
be as per pamphlet no. 3- “Construction of Building and traverses” issued by
Storage and Transport of Explosive Committee, Centre for Environment &
Explosives Safety), a table showing the building No., its man limit &
explosives limit (which should be the minimum no./quantity, for operation in
each process building ), ISD, PISD, OSD etc.

The constructional details must show the details of
doors, windows of every building (all doors and windows must open outside), the
nature of glass if used in windows (preferably wired glass), nature of floor
(nature of antistatic bituminised i.e. mastic flooring) etc.

The drawing must show the type of electrical fittings
provided in the working building/ shed (fittings must be dust proof/flame
proof).

All process buildings and magazines should be provided
with efficient lightning conductors system conforming to IS:2309.

For units of filling, pressing and crimping of
detonators, humidifiers for maintenance of temperature so as not to exceed 50
degree Centigrade, thermometer etc to be provided.

Tables for filling, pressing and crimping units of
detonators must be covered with antistatic rubber mat/sheet.

For PETN & ASA drying, mixing, sieving etc, trays
made of aluminium must be used and electrical earthing and anti-static earthing
must be properly provided.

The working instructions, emergency plan, important
telephone Nos. must be exhibited in local language as well as in English.

The roof for detonator crimping and other process
buildings should be of light construction like asbestos. The roof for storage of
finished detonators should be of 15cm RCC. All the rooms should be provided with
doors and windows opening outside. The windows may be provided with glass
preferably wired glass.

The roof for high explosives process building may be of
RCC.

All buildings used for production, handling, storage,
testing of explosives should be surrounded by substantial mounds. All buildings
used for production, handling, storage, testing of explosives should be provided
with lightning.

The manufacturing activity of explosives has to be done
under the supervision of a competent person.

All plant and equipments in the licensed factory should
be regularly serviced and maintained in a proper and fit condition and records
maintained.

The facilities for testing of explosives and
for disposal of waste explosives should be provided at a safe distances duly
approved by CCE.

The licensee of a factory shall keep up to date records
in the prescribed form for a minimum period of two years.

On scrutiny of the documents, if found in order, the
draft licence in Form 20 along with relevant licences in Form 21 & 22 are
prepared and forwarded to the concerned District Authority for grant of No
Objection Certificate as provided for under Rule 156 of Explosives Rules, 1983.

On receipt of a clear No Objection Certificate from the
District Magistrate, permission for construction of plant buildings, magazines
and other amenities within the factory premises is granted.

On receipt of report of completion of construction of
all the facilities and on receipt of requisite licence fee licence in Form 20
for manufacture of explosives and licences in Form 21 & 22 for sale and use
of explosives in respect of magazines located inside the factory premises are
granted.

The original licence along with approved drawings,
Schedules (civil, electrical & ML/EL) and the copy of the above licence is
forwarded to the concerned Jt. CCE/Dy. CCE under whose jurisdiction the factory
located for inspection and endorsement of the licence as provided under Rule 161
of the said rules. On satisfaction that the factory premises has been
constructed in accordance with the approved drawings, the Inspecting Officer
endorses the licence and handover the original licence to the applicant.

Saltpetre, Charcoal, Sulphur
grinded form of 60 to 70 mesh size are brought to mixing room from ingredient
shed, and mixed by hand in the gun powder mixing room and then sieved the mixed
materials 5 to 6 time to make a homogenious ixture with 60 to 80 mesh. If
necessary, pounding of Gun Powder in wooden vessels moistened with water is done
sometime. Otherwise, the said mixture with be used for making rockets and
quick matches.

II.
MANUFACTURE OF QUICK MATCHES

The
above said gun powder is mixed with dextrine in mixing room, the said mixture is
moistened with water. Then, it is taken to dipping room. The
different number of plays of thread is dipped in the above solution and the
dipped threads are dried in the same room by hanging. Then the said thread
is cut into 18” size and wrapped with a white tissue paper in fuse making
room. Finally it is coated with flour and dried. Now, it is ready
for use as fuse.

III.
MAKING ROCKET

One
side choked Rocket tubes are brought from outside. The said tube is filled
with gunpowder moistened with water with the help of spindles, drift and hammer
(wooden). All the above tools are made of brass and/or wood. The
said rocket tubes after drying are fitted with fuse through the choked.
The said rocket tubes after drying are fitted with fuse through the choked side.
Then it is fitted with straw sticks. Upper portion of the tube is filled
with colour tablets or sound shell. Then is labelled and pocketed.

IV.
WHITE POWDER MAXING

Pyrotechnical
grade aluminum powder, barium nitrate, saltpetre, sulphure are mixed in
proportion of 3, 1, 8, 4 in the white powder mixing room by hand over rubber mat
on the floor of the mixing shed. The mixture is sieved for 5 or time to
make a homogenious mixture. Now, the mixture is ready for filling
operation. The said mixture is used for manufacturing chinese cracker,
atom bombs and maroons etc.

MANUFACTURE
OF CHINESE CRACKERS

Different
types of paper tubes in circular aluminum rings each containing 500 to 600
tubes one side closed with mud are brought to the factory. The said tube
things are brought to the white powder filling room. Then the above
white powder mixture is filled into the tubes, the rings carrying the tubes
are shaken until all the tubes are full. Then by deft movement of the
worker’s hands and wrists, the excess powder in tubes and the portion of the
powder in each of the tube is emptied quickly. Each of the tube being
left partly full of powder with enough empty space at the top for fuse are
plugged by clay. Then the above said rings filled with chemicals are
brought to a manufacturing shed. Then the top side of rings are plugged
with clay. Again the holes corresponding to the tubes are punched by
means of non-ferrous sticks or nails. Then this is dried. Fuse,
cut to length are put in each of the tube with the help of gunpowder and gum
solution. Then this is dried, the crackers fitted with fuse removed from
the tube. Then crackers braided with thread with each other. Then
it is wrapped and labelled.

MANUFACTURE
OF MAROONS

3”
paper tubes held in aluminum rings containing about 500 numbers are filed with
white powder composition in a similar manner stated in the manufacture of
chinese crackers.After fitting
with fuse each tube is rolled with 4 to 6 pieces of paper 4” long and then
each tube labelled with factory symbols. Five pieces of said crackers are
packed with cellophane paper.One
side of pocket will have company label.They
will have warning lable or slips on the other side.

MANUFACTURE OF
FLOWER POT

Usually flower pots
are manufactured in paper cone tube. The wite powder composition are
mixed in a proportion as follows:

One side closed paper tube in
different sizes are in punches of 100s and chemicals filled with the help of
hands.Then each tube is closed
with tipping compostion moistened with water.Tipping compostion is made is made as follows:

The above said tubes are
moistened with water and coiled around the fingers and kept on a wooden frame
to prevent uncoiling.They are
arranged in wooden frames for drying.The
two sides are fitted with paper disc and label.One side, paper pivot is fitted with gum, then dried and packed.

SPARKLERS

Wooden frames of Sparklers are
filled with different size of copper coated wire outside the factory.The chemical composition is as follows:

The above chemicals are mixed
in a brass vessel in wet mixing room with the help of water.One percent of Boric Acid is also mixed to prevent spontaneous
reactions. The iron dust are coated with linseed oil or tar or wax or rosine
to prevent rusting and reactions withother chemicals in wet stage.Wet mixing is done with the help of hand and wooden rod.After mixing the wet chemicals, it is poured in the dipping
tray in the dipping room.The
above frame filled with wire are dipped and slowly drawn and placed in an
inclined wooden rack and is allowed to travel 3 to 4 meters so that the excess
quantity of chemicals adhering to the wire will fall and the frames are kept
in atable to remove the excess chemical at head.Then the frame is dried in a drying space.The above process is repeated 2 to 3 times to get proper
thickness of chemicals in the wire.In
case electric and colour sparkers, magnesium aluminium alloy chips are
sprinkled over the bunch of wire held in frames after last disping.At last dried sparklers are removed from the wooden frames and packed.

GUIDELINES FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF FRIEWORKS FACTORY,PAPER CAP AND SPARKLERSFACTORY

Such sheds in
existing factories shall be modified as above.However, the sheds with thinner walls but surrounded by 34 cms
brick-cement blast wall are accepted.

Filling
Shed

The inner
safety distance, outer safety distance, construction including that of blast
wall, explosives limit and man limit shall be as in Para 1 excepting that the
RCC roof thickness may not be less than 10cm.Such sheds in existing factories shall be modified accordingly.Sheds with thinner walls but surrounded by 34cms blast wall as
mentioned in Para 1 shall be acceptable “The
design of mound (Traverse) shall be as per STEC specification.

Transit
Shed for Semi-Finished Fireworks

It should
have a cement brick wall of 45 cm thick and RCC roof of 15cm thick.If the door faces the drying platform or to the door opening of any
other process building, a blast wall as described in the earlier Para shall be
provided.

Transit shed
for storage of Semi-finished firework will observe the following safety
distance.

Size of Transit Shed

Capacity

Safety distance form other shed &
Drying Platform

Safety distance from fence/Protected Works

2.5 X 2 M, 2
compartments

300 kgs

30 M

45M

2.5 X 2 M, 2
compartments

400kgs

34 M

45M

2.5 X 2.5 M, 2
compartments

500 kgs

37 M

45M

The Transit
Shed for Semi-finished fireworks will have two compartments – one each for
the storage of non-exploding items like chakram (Wheel), flower-pots etc. and
another for storage of exploding item like crackers, atom bombs etc.Transit shed for fireworks nearer than 30 M from working shed and dry
platform would not be accepted.

Transit Shed for Fuse

The transit
shed for storage of fuse will observe the following safety distance.

Capacity in
Kgs.

Safety
distance from process & Dry Platform

Safety
distance form protected works/fencing

100 Kgs

21 M

45 M

150 Kgs

24 M

45 M

200 Kgs

26 M

45 M

Fuse transit shed
should not be brought nearer than 21 M.

Transit Shed for Pellets

The transit
shed for white powder and black powder pellets upto a maximum of 50 Kgs will
observe inter-distance of 18 M from other sheds and shall have two partition
on each for white powder and black powder pellets.If a single kind of pellet item i.e. white powder or black powder is
involved a single room can be allowed depending upon the nature of the
operation involved.(For fancy
items only).

Manufacturing
shed other than mixing, filling and transit shed

It should be constructed of 23
cm cement brick wall. So far as roof is concerned, G.I. sheets or 10 cm
RCC roof may be provided for new sheds. The doors of different building
should not face each other. These sheds and drying platform shall
observe inner S/d of 12 M and outer S/d of 45 M. The explosives limit
shall be 25 kgs and man limit 4 Nos.

In case of existing
factories, if doors of adjoining sheds face each other, a screen wall of 23 cm
cement brick should be provided at a distance of 1 to 2 M from shed and 0.5 m
wider than the door opening on both sides and upto the height of the doors.

Screen
wall between drying platform and process sheds

In
case of process sheds having doors facing drying platform, as screen wall in
front of the doors shall be provided and its specification would be as above.

In case of a
row of drying platform, those earmarked for rockets and aerial items would be
provided with screen wall facing the other drying platform.

The screen
wall should be 23 cm of cement brick and have a height equal to half of the
length of side perpendicular to the screen wall. The screen wall is allowed at
a distance 1 to 2 M from the drying platform.

Fuse
cutting platform

Fuse cutting
platform may be built at distance of 18 M from process to shed observing outer
safety distance of 45 M.Such
drying platform should have a screen wall of height equal to the half of the
length of the side perpendicular to the screen wall.Temporary roof may be constructed with four pillars or poses, if
necessary, to get protection from the sun.

All
doors in mixing/filling sheds wherever providing should be of wood only with
non-ferrous or wooden hinges.

Fuse
Wrapping/Dipping Shed

The fuse dipping and could be
located in the end row of the factory.As
there is fuse cutting operation for removing the fuse from the frame.It will be advisable to have a light roof shed with partition 3 M away
from the fuse dipping shed on one side.

The fuse dipping shed could be
considered with man limit of 2 nos and explosives limit of 5 kgs.

In the case of fuse wrapping
shed, a maximum size of 4.5 x 3.6 M ( 15 ft x 12 ft) could be considered with
man limit of 2 nos and explosives limit of 5 kgs.

It
was agree that one drying platform will be provided for every four
manufacturing sheds (excluding filling/mixing/transit shed).

It
was agreed that the maximum number of sheds and drying platform in a
fireworks factory should not exceed 75.

A
fencing should be provided to segregate the process shed from non-hazardous
area like general store-house, office etc.

It
was agreed that the over pasting room may be an extension of first stage
drying room through window in amorces factory.

It
was agreed that the minimum capacity for store house of each factory should
be 1/5th of the annual manufacturing capacity.The annual manufacturing capacity of each factory should
manufacturing capacity in the licence.

In case of existing store house attached to the factory detailed calculation
should be submitted to the licensing authority in the matter.Licence should be got amended to include the annual
manufacturing capacity in the licence.

It
was agreed that a small building can be constructed at a distance of less
than 10 M from the main store house building so as to form a single unit
with same safety distance being observe as required for the main building.Both the buildings will be covered under one licence.The said smaller room can be used for storage of fireworks items
already taken out for packing.

Whenever
new store houses are being provided it should be put near the front side of
the factory so as to avoid vehicle passing through the factory for
transport.

The
inter factory distance (fencing to fencing) should be not less than 200 M.

Manufacturing
of quick match in a separate factory can be considered.

In
addition to the existing foreman (competent person) one Assistant foreman
for every 15 sheds should be provided.

Foreman’s
certificate (competent person) issued for a particular person is valid for a
particular licenced factory.However
application of a foreman’s transfer within the factories of the same group
cold considered by issuing certificate for working in new unit without
appearing for specific and separate interview each time.

The
testing of aerial items should not be done near the fireworks factory.

Manufacture
of aero plane is no longer permitted and action has already been initiated
to delete this item from the list of authorised explosives.

It
was agreed that in addition to the trade name, authorised name of the
fireworks as approved by the Chief Controller of Explosives should also
appear on the label of fireworks item.

It
was agreed that fireworks manufacturers would mark the net weight of
fireworks on each case.

It
was agreed that not more than 10,000 Nos. of Chinese Crackers would be used
for making garlands.

It
was agreed that the location for firing should be marked in pencil firework.

Wooden
cases with iron strips should not be used within the factory.The Chief Controller of Explosives has advised to use fibreboard
container inside the factory.

The
manufacture of combination fireworks should provide transit shed for colour/gunpowder
pellets.

The
colour/gunpowder pellets may be filled in the manufacture shed since it is
not a loose powder.

Regarding
base of the fancy item, it has been decided that the base of the fancy item
should be of such of such strength and size so that it should not fall
during functioning.

Inner
tube/Parachute of all the fancy items should be blasted & extinguish
itself before falling on the ground.Inner tube should be closed with saw dust and gum instead of
mud and gum.

The
trial manufacture of the approved item should be limited to the 1 year only.The company should make arrangement to test fireworks items by the
Department for final approval within 1 year time.

The
quantity of lifting charge of fancy item may vary depending on quality of
the gunpowder and performance of the item.However, it has been decided to study the matter to make it uniform
quantity to be used as lifting charge.

For
the new factories the Department may insist a ‘T’ type shed for curing
and cutting of fuse at 3 mtrs from the drying platform keeping the
explosives limit and man limit meant for both sheds i.e. fuse dipping and
“T” shed.

Quick
match (unwrapped) may be stored in the transit shed meant for the same with
quantity mentioned for the shed.

In
case of manufacturing of defense store (fireworks items) the classification
of the item should be mentioned as Class-7 and Division 4 in the licence.

Transit
shed for amorces may not be allowed.

The
amorces without sulphur may not be allowed till further study of the
composition is carried out.

In
case of new amorces factory the second stage drying room may be provided
with air gap between the sheds to control the damage due to explosion.

Window
may not be allowed in second stage drying room.

Study
should be made to find out ratio of second stage room and punching and roll
cutting room to avoid the accumulation of dry sheets.

At
present the factory is provided with burning pit at the corner of the
factory without indicating quantity of explosives, so it has been decided
that the fencing at 18 mtrs should be provided around burning pit and 5 kgs
of fireworks at a time allowed for destruction under supervision competent
person and such pit should observe 45 mtrs from any of the factory shed.

The
blast wall of mixing, filling shed should be at least on 3 sides.

In
Per chlorate base fireworks, fuse manufacturing operation and transit shed
should be insisted for new factories to avoid the fuse containing sulphur.

In
colour match factory 2 mixing rooms should be provided, one for head
composition and another for body composition.

The
composition of all the metal parts of the store house to lighting arrestor
may be made as per IS2309.

Approval of Combination
Fireworks

The industry wanted that only one application with one set of drawing
should be sufficient for approval of an item of combination fireworks even if
the same group of companies. It was
decided that one application would be acceptable if the item was manufactured in
different units of the same company (licensee). When there was a change in the name of the licensee, a separate
application would be required.

For each application for approval only, eight sets of drawings could be
submitted so that the drawings could be circulated to Five Circle Officers of
the Department.

Since Maroons are being manufactured over a long period by almot all of
the fireworks manufacturers, it was decided that not separate approval would be
required for manufacture of Maroons upto maximum 100 mm length and maximum 25 mm
dia and fireworks composition restructed to 1.5 gm. Regarding the sound level produced by explosion of Maroons, it was
decided to take up the matter separately.

Packing of fireworks

Department advised the Industry to design suitable
cardboard boxes of 4 or 5 different dimensions with would be suitable for
storage and transport of fireworks. Drawing of these cardboard boxes along with
the specifications to be followed viz. Bursting strength, cobb value, etc.
could be submitted to Chief Controller of Explosives Office for approval.
The same would be examined and if found suitable permission for testing
and trials would be given. Such
boxes may be tested at Institute of Packaging as well as submitted to Chief
Controller of Explosives for undergoing tests in Testing Station. Final approval could be given afterwards.

It was also
explained to the industry that they should follow IS 10212 for guidance but the
specification for cardboard for fireworks used would be more stringent as these
are transported in ordinary trucks and also detained at transporter’s godowns
or other public places.

Manufacturer of Flower Bombs
and Wheel Bombs

The
flower-bombs may be manufactured subject to the following conditions-

The
height of the item should not be more than twice the diameter of the
base. If extra base is provided the base should be glued to the main
tube.

The pictorial view of the method of firing and functioning should be
printed on every single piece of the fireworks item.

The precautions and functioning should also be clearly stated in works on
each piece.

The pictorial view of the method of firing and functioning along with
instruction in words should be printed on the bigger labels pasted over the box
containing 5 to 10 piece of the item.

The weight of the composition should be as follows:

The weight of the composition for cracker should not be more than 4
gms.

The weight of composition for flower should not be more than 10
gms.

Seven copies of
the drawing showing details of construction and dimension proposed to be made
for the above item should be submitted to Jt. Chief Controller of Explosives or
Dy. Chief Controller of Explosives of respective area for approval before
commencing manufacture.

However,
manufacture of wheel bombs has not been accepted in the interest of safety.

To possess and sell of explosives upto 2000 kgs from a magazine, the
licence will be granted by the respective Circle Office of the Department of
Explosives.

To possess and sell explosives exceeding 2000 kgs from a magazine, the
licence will be granted by the Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur.

3.
Procedure : In this section the details of the following procedure are stated:

a) Grant of
licence

b) Renewal of
licence

c) Amendment
of licence

d) Checklist
during inspection

A. Grant of Licence

Various
steps in sequence for grant of licence in form-21 are as under:

APPLICANT ACTION:
Submission of drawings and the other required documents by the applicant to the
licensing authority for construction approval of the proposed premises.

DEPARTMENTAL
ACTION: Forwarding of draft licence and other documents to the concerned District
Magistrate for NOC by the licensing authority.

Approval
of the drawing by the licensing authority for construction of the facilities in
the proposed premises on receipt of NOC.

APPLICATION
ACTION: After
completion of construction of the facilities, submission of drawings and the
other required documents by the party to the licensing authority for grant of
licence of the premises.

DEPARTMENTAL
ACTION : Grant of licence by the
licensing authority.

Inspection
of the magazine by the officer of the
Department of Explosives.

Endorsement
of the licece.

The detailed
step by step procedure are as under:

Applicants
Action:- Submission of documents by applicant for construction approval:

Applicant has to submit the
following documents to the licensing authority for prior approval for
construction of facilities:

Application
Form-4duly filled in and signed by the
applicant/authorised employee. Typed copy of form-4 (given in the Explosives
Rules, 1983) is acceptable. Please note that no column of the form should be
left blank. Inapplicable columns should be filled as NA i.e., not applicable.
Full postal address with pin code should be written. No overwriting or major
corrections will be accepted. Minor correction should be initialed.

Application
Form 17 duly filled in and signed showing the safety distances required to be
observed as per Table 1 of schedule VIII of the Explosives Rules, 1983.

Six
copies of drawings (blue print or computerized one without hand correction).
Each copy of drawing must show the details of site, layout, construction, sectional and elevation view, mounds if
applicable and necessary noting as stated below:

Regarding
site:
The site plan must show the proposed premises and details of all the structures
like roads, road-directions, residential area, place of congregation, other
buildings, structures, others properties, name of the others properties,
approach road, the distances from the km stone, road junction etc. confined
within and beyond the outside safety distance on all sides around the proposed
premises, as per scale. Specific clearance observed by the proposed premises
with regards to the nearest building and any open source of fire or over-head
electric line coming within the safety zone should be clearly indicated.

Note:

The purpose of the key/site plan is to identify and demarcate the
location of the premises. In many cases the area up to the safety zone is open
land and hence such cases does not fulfill the main purpose. Sometimes reference
structures lie or located much beyond the safety zone. Therefore all such
reference structures (even not coming within the scale of the drawing) for
example the nearest km stone, road crossing with road directions, temple,
village, schools, hospitals, canals, rivers, railway line or other such
immovable reference structures along with approach road to the premises may also
be incorporated in the site details for proper identification of the location
and approach to the premises.

The applicant has to ensure and confirm that the site selected for the
proposed premises have a clear
title or undisputed legal status.

The proposed premises should have proper access and approach road for the
purpose of inspection, fire-fighting and rescue operation, movement of
fire-tenders etc.

The purpose of the site plan is to identify and demarcate the location of
the premises. In many cases the area up to safety zone is open land and hence
such cases does not fulfill the main purpose. Sometimes reference structures lie
or are located much beyond the safety zone. Therefore all such reference
structures (even not coming within the scale of the drawing) for example the
nearest km stone, road crossing with road directions, temple, village, schools,
hospitals, canals, rivers, railway line or other such immovable reference
structures along with approach road to the premises may also be incorporated in
the site details for proper identification of the location and approach to the
premises.

The proposed premises should have proper access and approach road for the
purpose of movement of explosive van, inspection, fire-fighting and rescue
operation, movement of fire-tenders etc.

The proposed site should no way interfere or bring legal confrontation
with other Acts and Rules administered by the Central Govt., State Govt., local
authority etc. and in no way adversely affect the public interest.

The proposed site should have preferably open land surrounding it and
should not be vulnerable to natural calamities.

Regarding layout plan:

The layout of the premises should show the plan view of the
magazine.

The layout plan must show
the dimensions of the magazine, lobby, wall thickness, gangway, various rooms
for storage of different types of explosives etc. in case of constructed magazine.
…

Note:

For
construction of magazine please refer specification 6 under schedule VII to
the Explosives Rules, 1983.

Mode
B magazine for specific purpose having storage capacity not exceeding 500
Kgs. can be procured from approved manufacturer.

Mode
A magazine fixed type for storage capacity
exceeding 500 Kgs. the following constructions details may be referred.

Internal Volume: Internal
Volume of the magazine should not be less than 4 m3 per 1000 Kgs. of explosives besides sufficient
passage area.

Internal
Area: Internal area of the magazine should not be less than 1.6
Sq. mt. per 1000 Kgs of explosives besides sufficient passage area/gangway.

Wall thickness:

Walls: RCC wall thickness
= 23 cm

Brick/Stone wall thickness
= 60 cm
between detonator room and lobby

Rest of brick stone wall thickness
= 45cm

Roof : Roof reinforced
concrete of at least 15 cm thickness or of stone slabs or adequate thickness and
strength.

Ventilator : One ventilator at top and bottom in
each opposite sides wall of the magazine having storage capacity of 500 Kg. At
least two ventilators at top and
bottom in each opposite side wall of the magazine having storage capacity
exceeding 500 Kgs.

The ventilators should be Z type only having
dimension of 22.5 cm X 11.25 cm. The outer opening of the ventilator should be
fitted with frame iron bars and inner opening should be provided with brass wire
guage of three mesh per linear centimeter.

Regarding
Sectional/Elevation View:

The drawing
should show the sectional view the
magazine both cross-sectional and the
longitudinal view. The sectional view of the magazine must show the height and
constructional details, wall thickness and other details must also be
incorporated in the drawing. The number and location of Z type ventilators and
the height, bonding and nature of lightning conductor system (which must conform
to IS 2309) must also be shown.

The magazine shall be made of brick, stone or concrete
building which is closed and secured so as to prevent unauthorized person from
having access thereto.

Regarding
Mound : There
are types safety distances one mounded and other unmounded and given in the
safety distance table schedule VIII to the Explosives Rules, 1983.If capacity of magazine exceeds 4.5 T then mound is compulsory.The construction of mound should be as under:

………1 to 1.5 M from periphery of the
magazine with a height equals to the stack height and widths of the top should be
1M ………

Noting to be
depicted in the drawing : All
important noting as given above should be incorporated in the drawing. The
drawing must indicate Khasra /Survey /
Killa no. and full address of the situation of the premises including pin code
No.

Departmental Action :
Forwarding of draft licence to DM for NOC

The
documents submitted by the applicant are verified and proper scrutiny is
exercised as follows:-

The
application
Form-4 submitted by the party is
checked to confirm that the proper mailing address, signature of the party and
all other relevant columns have been duly filled in by the applicant. No overwriting or major corrections will be entertained. Minor
correction if any, should be attested by the applicant.

The
application Form 17
is duly filled in and
signed showing the distances actually observed.

Departmental Action :
Verification of drawing

The following checks are carried out:-

In
the site plan of the drawing whether proper road direction with approach has
been shown for exact identification of location. Khasra no., distances from
other existing structures etc. has to be shown in the plan. If most of the
distances have been given but in case there is any inadvertent omission
regarding distance from proposed premises to few surrounding
structure/facilities then such distance(s) will be read as per scale given in
the drawing.

Sectional view and mounds if
required have been properly shown or not. Necessary noting and full address of
the situation of the premises have
been incorporated in the drawing. Drawing is preferably signed by the applicant or authorised employee (in case of
company). Any other additional instruction of CCE/Licensing authority and
various guideline have been complied with.

After necessary
scrutiny of documents as referred above if, the documents are found in order and
conforming to the Explosives Rules-1983, then draft licence alongwith
form 4, form 18 drawing be
forwarded the concerned District Magistrate under intimation to the
party.

After receipt
of draft licence alongwith its enclosure and NOC from the concerned District
Magistrate the approval may be accorded with intimation to the party to submit
the required documents for grant of licence after completion of the construction
as per the approved drawing. The licensing authority may impose conditions as
deemed proper. Approval should be generally given for a certain period. In many
cases it is seen that after taking approval and laps of considerable time and
party even does not apply for grant of license for one reason or the other. In
the mean time if Rules are amended or revised and the revised executive orders
from Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur are issued then this entails
complicated situation both for the party and the licensing authority. To
overcome these difficulties, approval may be considered valid for 6 month and
may be renewable for another 6 months on request. After receipt of the approval,
the party may start construction of the facilities in the proposed premises as
per the approved drawing and after completion of the construction the documents
should be submitted by the party for grant of license.

Note:

It is stated that as per Explosives Rules, constructional approval is
issued only after receipt of NOC from District Authority. In some cases it is
seen that the NOC is considerably delayed and as a consequence, grant of
approval is accordingly. In this
connection it is pertinent to add that as per sub rule 9 of rule 156 of the
Explosives Rules 1983, “The district authority shall complete his enquiry
under sub rules (4) to (7) and forward the report to the licensing authority as
expeditiously as possible but not latter than six months of the date of
reference made by the licensing authority”.

The purpose of NOC is to verify antecedent of the applicant(s), lawful
possession of the site and examination of no objection from the public of the
locality.

The party has to ensure that construction of facilities and the
premises are confined within the NOC land.

Applicants
Action :
Submission of documents by the applicants for grant of licence

After completion of the facilities the applicant has to submit the
following documents:-

Appropriate
Bank Draft as licence fee payable in same manner as mentioned during approval.

The document submitted by the applicant are verified and proper scrutiny
is exercised as follows :-

Bank
Draft is checked and verified that it is drawn in favour of proper authority and
on any nationalized bank and is
valid for at least 2 months.

If NOC is
conditional, the licensing authority should be reasonably satisfied that the
condition stipulated in NOC are of serious nature and relevant or not. If
relevant, an undertaking to that effect or compliance to that effect to be
ensured before grant of licence.

The
drawing submitted by party is replica of approved drawing. If not, matter is
reconciled for necessary action.

If the documents are found in order and the licensing authority is
satisfied that there is no legal
constraint in grant of licence then the licence can be granted. However, the
licensing authority is to inspect the premises prior to grant of licence.
The variation or discrepancy noticed during the inspection must be complied with
and the compliance report should be submitted for verification and there after
the licence is endorsed and issued to the party.

B.
Renewal of Licence

A licence may be renewed by the authority empowered to grant such licence,
provided that a licence which has been granted by the Chief Controller is be
renewed without any alteration by a Controller duly authorized by the Chief
Controller in this behalf.

Provided that a licence which has been granted by the
district authority may be renewed without any alteration by a Sub-Divisional
Magistrate or an Executive Magistrate or a Taluka Magistrate duly authorized by
the district authority in the behalf.

The
Controller authorized by the Chief Controller under sub-rule (1) may, and when
so required by the Chief Controller, shall require the licensee to follow the
procedure laid down under sub-rule (1) of the rule 156 before renewing licence
in Form 20 or Form 21 or Form 22.

Every
application for the renewal of a licence shall be made so as to reach the
licensing authority or the authority empowered to renew the licence at least 30
days before the date on which the licence expires, and if the application is so
made, the licence shall be deemed to be in force until such date as the
licensing authority renews the licence or until an intimation that the renewal
of the licence is refused has been communicated to the applicant.

Every
application under sub-rule (3) for renewal of the licence shall be accompanied
by the following documents;

application in
Form 13; The form 13 must be filled in properly. No item from the form 13 should
be left blank. Inappropriate terms
must be deleted clearly.

the original licence together with its enclosures and approved plans,
Schedules and Forms; (the drawings and other enclosures of the licence are part
and parcel of the licence and should not be detached from the licence.)

prescribed renewal fee for a period of 2 years.

The same
fee shall be charged for the renewal of a licence for each year as for grant
thereof:

Provided
that if the application for renewal is not received within the time specified in
sub-rule (3), the licence shall be renewed only on payment of double fee as
ordinarily payable for the license.

Provided
further that if the renewal application together with complete documents specified
under sub-rule (4) is received by the licensing authority after the date of
expiry but not later than 30 days from the date of expiry; and if the licensing
authority is satisfied that such delay is beyond the control of the licensee,
the licence may, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken in this
behalf, be renewed on payment of double the fee ordinarily payable for the
licence.

In case of an application for the renewal of the licence for a period of
more than one year at a time, the fee prescribed under proviso of sub-rule (5),
if payable, shall be paid only for the first financial year of renewal.

Every licence granted under these rules other than a licence granted for
a specified period shall be renewable for two years where there has been no
contravention of the Act or the rules framed thereunder or of any condition of
the licence so renewed.

Where a licence renewed for more than one financial year is surrendered
before its expiry, the renewal fee paid for the unexpired portion of the licence
shall be refunded to the licensee provided that no refund of renewal fee shall
be made for any financial year during which—

(a)
the licensing authority received the renewed licence for surrender;

(b)
any explosive is received or stored on the authority of the licence.

No licence shall be renewed if the application for renewal is received by
the licensing authority after 30 days of the date of its expiry.

When a licence is renewed by the Chief Controller a Controller, an
intimation to that effect shall be sent to the district authority concerned and
when a licence is renewed by the district authority, intimation to that effect
shall be sent to the Controller having jurisdiction.

As per the executive Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur
before every renewal NOC from District Magistrate is sought. However as per rule
165(3) if the renewal application is received within due date the licence shall
be deemed to be in force until such date as the licensing authority renews the
licence or until an intimation that renewal of licence is refused is
communicated to the licensee.

C.
Amendment of Licence

The licences issued under the Explosives Rules, 1983 can not be
transferred. In case of change of name, new licence is to be granted after
observing all the formalities. The licence can be amended in respect of
alteration in the facilities etc. only if the licence is valid.

Any licence granted under these rules may be amended by the authority
empowered to g rant the licence provided that amendment shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of these rules.

A licensee who desires to have his licence amended shall submit the
following particulars to the licensing authority, namely:

an application
stating
nature of the amendment and the reasons therefor;

the original licence together with enclosures to it;

plans showing the details of the proposed amendment is such plans are
required by the licensing authority for the purpose of amendment;

prescribed scrutiny fee;

prescribed
amendment fee.

The
licensing authority after scrutiny of the documents submitted under sub-rule (2) and after making such further inquiries and taking
such action as deemed necessary may take suitable action to amend the licence.

The violations/discrepancies noticed during inspection are communicated
to the party for carrying out the recommendations and submitting compliance
within one to two months. In case
of serious violations, show cause notice for suspension/cancellation of licence
is issued with a notice of 21 days. The
party must acknowledge the receipt of the inspection report and submit
compliance report within the stipulated time period.

2)

The licensee shall submit at the end of every month a return in form 36
to
the licensing authority as well renewal authority in the proforma prescribed
from time to time so as to reach the above authorities by 10th day of
the succeeding month. In case the licensee fails to submit above said monthly
return, action for suspension/cancellation may be initiated by the licensing
authority or renewal authority.

For
possess and use up to 2000 kgs of explosives from a magazine, the licence will
be granted by the respective Circle Office of the Department of Explosives.

For possess and use explosives of more than 2000 kgs from a magazine, the
licence is granted by CCE, Nagpur.

3.
Procedure : In this section the details of the following procedure are stated:

a) Grant of
licence

b) Renewal of
licence

c) Amendment
of licence

d) Checklist
during inspection

A. Grant of Licence

Various on-line steps adopted for grant
of licence in form-22 are as under:

Submission
of drawings and the other required documents by the applicant to the licensing
authority for construction approval of the proposed premises.

Forwarding
of draft licence and other documents to the concerned District Magistrate for
NOC by the licensing authority.

Approval
of the drawing by the licensing authority for construction of the facilities in
the proposed premises on receipt of NOC.

After
completion of construction of the facilities, submission of drawings and the
other required documents by the party to the licensing authority for grant of
licence of the premises.

Grant of
licence by the licensing authority.

Inspection
of the magazine by the officer of the Department of Explosives.

Endorsement
of the licence.

Note
: If the
quantity of explosives proposed to be licensed up to 100 Kgs. for own use, party
can directly approach to District Authority for NOC.

The detailed
step by step procedure are as under:

Applicants
Action:- Submission of documents by applicant for construction approval:

Applicant must submit the
following documents to the licensing authority for prior approval for
construction of facilities:

Application
Form-5 duly filled in and signed by the applicant/authorised employee. Typed copy of
form-5
(given in the Explosives Rules, 1983) is acceptable. Please note that no column
of the form should be left blank. Inapplicable columns should be filled as NA
i.e., not applicable. Full postal address with pin code should be written. No
overwriting or major corrections will be accepted. Minor correction should be
initialed.

Application
Form 17 duly filled in and signed showing
distances actually observed…

Six copies of drawings (blue print or computerized one without
hand correction). Each copy of drawing must show the
details of site, layout, construction, sectional and elevation view and
necessary noting as stated below:

Approach road to the premises may also be incorporated in the site
details for proper identification of the location and approach to the premises.

The applicant should ensure and confirm that the site selected for the
proposed premises should have a clear title or undisputed legal status.

The proposed premises should have proper access and approach road for the
purpose of inspection, fire-fighting and rescue operation, movement of
fire-tenders etc.

The
proposed site should no way interfere or bring legal confrontation with other
Acts and Rules administered by the Central Govt., State Govt., local authority
etc.

Regarding layout plan:

The
layout of the premises should show the plan view.

The
layout plan must show the dimensions of the magazine.

Regarding
sectional/elevation view:

The drawing should show the sectional view of
the magazine both cross-sectional and the longitudinal view. The sectional view of the magazine must show the
height and constructional details, wall thickness and other details must also be incorporated in the drawing. The number and location of Z
type ventilators and the height, bonding and nature of lightning conductor
system (which must conform to IS 2309

Noting to be
depicted in the drawing

:

All
important noting as given above should be incorporated in the drawing. The
drawing must indicate Khasra/Survey/ Kila
no. and full address of the situation of the premises.

Departmental
Action : Forwarding of draft licence to DM for NOC

The
documents submitted by the applicant should be verified and proper scrutiny should be exercised as follows:-

The
application Form-5 submitted by the party is be
checked to confirm that the proper mailing address, signature of the party and
all other relevant columns have been duly filled in by the applicant. No overwriting or major corrections is
entertained. Minor correction if any, are be attested by the applicant.

most of the distances have been given but in case there
is any inadvertent omission regarding distance from proposed premises to few
surrounding structure/facilities then such distance(s) are read as per scale
given in the drawing.

Sectional view have been
properly shown or not. Necessary noting and full address of the situation of the
premises are incorporated in the
drawing. Drawing is preferably be signed by the applicant or authorised employee
(in case of company). Any other additional instruction of CCE/Licensing
authority and various guideline are complied with.

After
necessary scrutiny
of documents as
referred above if, the documents are found in order and conforming to the Explosives Rules-1983, then

necessary
approval is accorded with intimation to the party to submit the required
documents for grant of licence after completion of the construction as per the
approved drawing . The licensing authority executive orders are issued. These
entail complicated situation both for the party and the licensing authority. To
overcome these difficulties, approval may be considered valid for 6 month and
may be renewable for another 6 months on request. After receipt of the approval,
the party may start construction of the facilities in the proposed premises as per the approved drawing and
after completion of the construction the documents are submitted by the party
for grant of license may impose conditions as deemed proper. Approval is generally given for a certain period. In
many cases it is seen that after taking approval and lapse of considerable time
and party even does not apply for grant of license for one reason or the other.
In the mean time Rules are amended or revised

.

Departmental Action :
Verification of drawing

The
following check are carried out:-

In
the site plan of the drawing whether proper road direction with approach has
been shown for exact identification of location. Khasra no., distances from
other existing structures etc. has to be shown in the plan. If

Note:-
The
magazine shall be made of brick, stone or concrete building which is closed and
secured so as to prevent unauthorized person from having access thereto

Noting to be
depicted in the drawing and in no way adversely affect the public interest.

The proposed site should have preferably open land surrounding it and
should not be vulnerable to natural calamities.

Note:

The purpose of
the site plan is to identify and demarcate the location of the premises. In many
cases the area up to 100 metres is open land and hence such cases does not
fulfill the main purpose. Sometimes reference structures lie or located much
beyond 100 metres. Therefore all such reference structures (even not coming
within the scale of the drawing) for example the nearest km stone, road crossing
with road directions, temple, village, schools, hospitals, canals, rivers,
railway line or other such immovable reference structures alongwith.

Note:

In this connection it is stated that one of the important documents is
NOC from District Authority. In some cases it is seen that the NOC is considerably delayed and as a consequence, grant of licence is delayed
and finally the party will have to suffer irreparable loss

.

The party should ensure that construction of
facilities and the premises are confined within the NOC land.

It is reasonable to prehensile that the purpose of
NOC is to ensure the lawful possession of the site and verification of
antecedent of the applicant.

Applicants
Action :
Submission of documents by the applicants for grant of licence

After completion of the facilities the applicant
must submit the following documents:- Appropriate Bank Draft as licence fee
payable in same manner as mentioned during approval

The document submitted by the applicant are verified and proper scrutiny
is exercised as follows :-

Bank
Draft to be checked and verified that it is drawn in favour of appropriate
head and at appropriate place drawn on any nationalized bank valid for at least 2 months.

If
NOC is conditional, the licensing authority has to be reasonably satisfied that
the condition stipulated in NOC will be applicable or not. If applicable an
undertaking to that effect or compliance to that effect to be ensured before
grant of licence.

The
drawing is replica of approved drawing or not. If not, matter is reconciled for necessary action.

If the documents are found in order and the licensing authority is
satisfied that there is no legal
constraint in grant of licence then the licence can be granted. However, the
licensing authority is to inspect the premises prior to grant of license. The
variation or discrepancy noticed during the inspection must be complied with and
the compliance report should be submitted for verification and there after the
licence will be endorsed and issued to the party.

B.
Renewal of Licence

A licence may be renewed by the authority empowered to grant such licence,
provided that a licence which has been granted by the Chief Controller is be
renewed without any alteration by a Controller duly authorized by the Chief
Controller in this behalf:

Provided that a licence which has been granted by the district authority
may be renewed without any alteration
by a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an Executive Magistrate or a Taluka Magistrate
duly authorized by the district authority in the behalf.

The Controller authorized by the Chief Controller
under sub-rule (1) may, and when so required by the Chief Controller, shall
require the licensee to follow the procedure laid down under sub-rule (1) of the
rule 156 before renewing licence in Form 20 or Form 21 or Form 22.

Every application for the renewal of a licence
shall be made so as to reach the licensing authority or the authority empowered
to renew the licence at least 30 days before the date on which the licence
expires, and if the application is so made, the licence shall be deemed to be in
force until such date as the licensing authority renews the licence or until an
intimation that the renewal of the licence is refused has been communicated to
the applicant.

Every application under sub-rule (3) for renewal of
the licence shall be accompanied by the following documents;

application in
Form 13; The form 13 must be filled in properly. No item from the form 13 should
be left blank. Inappropriate terms
must be deleted clearly.

the original licence together with its enclosures and approved plans,
Schedules and Forms; (the drawings and other enclosures of the licence are part
and parcel of the licence and should not be detached from the licence.)

prescribed renewal fee for a period of 2 years.

The same fee shall be charged for the renewal of a
licence for each year as for grant thereof:

Provided that if the application for renewal is not
received within the time specified in sub-rule (3), the licence shall be renewed
only on payment of double fee as ordinarily payable for the license.

Provided further that if the renewal application
together with complete documents specified under sub-rule (4) is received
by the licensing authority after the date of expiry but not later than 30 days
from the date of expiry; and if the licensing authority is satisfied that such
delay is beyond the control of the licensee, the licence may, without prejudice
to any other action that may be taken in this behalf, be renewed on payment of
double the fee ordinarily payable for the licence.

In case of an application for
the renewal of the licence for a period of more than one year at a time, the fee
prescribed under proviso of sub-rule (5), if payable, shall be paid only for the
first financial year of renewal.

Where
a licence renewed for more than one financial year is surrendered before
its expiry, the renewal fee paid for the unexpired portion of the licence
shall be refunded to the licensee provided that no refund of renewal fee
shall be made for any financial year during which—

the
licensing authority received the renewed licence for surrender;

any
explosive is received or stored on the authority of the licence.

No licence shall be renewed if the application for
renewal is received by the licensing authority after 30 days of the date of
its expiry.

When a licence is renewed by the Chief Controller a
Controller, an intimation to that effect shall be sent to the district
authority concerned and when a licence is renewed by the district authority,
intimation to that effect shall be sent to the Controller having
jurisdiction.

As per the executive Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur before
every renewal NOC from District Magistrate is sought. However as per rule 165(3)
if the renewal application is received within due date the licence shall be
deemed to be in force until such date as the licensing authority renews the
licence or until an intimation that renewal of licence is refused is
communicated to the licensee.

C.
Amendment of Licence

The licences issued under the Explosives Rules, 1983 can not be
transferred. In case of change of name, new licence is to be granted after
observing all the formalities. The licence can be amended in respect of
alteration in the facilities etc. only if the licence is valid.

Any licence granted under these rules may be amended by the authority
empowered to g rant the licence provided that amendment shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of these rules.

A licensee who desires to have his licence amended shall submit the
following particulars to the licensing authority, namely:

an
application stating nature of the
amendment and the reasons therefor;

the
original licence together with enclosures to it;

plans
showing the details of the proposed amendment is such plans are required by the
licensing authority for the purpose of amendment;

prescribed
scrutiny fee;

prescribed amendment
fee.

The licensing authority after scrutiny of the documents submitted
under sub-rule (2) and after making such further inquiries and taking
such action as deemed necessary may take suitable action to amend the
licence.

The licence in Form-24 of
Explosives Rules, 1983 is granted to possess and sell small arms nitro-compounds
not exceeding 25kgs or fire works not exceeding 100kgs of Class 7 Division 2,
sub-Division 2 and 1000kgs of Class 7 Division 2, sub-Division 1 or
gunpowder not exceeding 25kgs and safety fuse not exceeding 10,000 Mtrs.

Note
:

Please
see licence Form-24 given in the Explosives Rules, 1983 & Article 4 of
Schedule IV of Explosives Rules, 1983.

For
definition of small arms nitro-compound and fire works of Class-7 Division
2, sub-Division 1 & 2, please see Schedule I to the Explosives Rules,
1983. Henceforth, fire works of Class 7 Division 2, sub-Division 2 will be
described as fire works and fire works of Class 7, Division 2, Sub-Division
1 will be described as sparklers/chinese crackers and fire works premises in
form-24 will be described as fire works shop or in short shop.

To
possess and sell from a shop fire works not exceeding 50kgs and
sparklers/chinese crackers not exceeding 400kgs or gun powder not exceeding
15kgs and safety fuse not exceeding 5000 s, the licence will be granted by
the District Authority.

To
possess and sell from a shop small arms nitro-compounds not exceeding 25kgs
or fire works not exceeding 100kgs and sparklers/Chinese crackers not
exceeding 1000kgs or gun powder not exceeding 25kgs and safety fuse
not exceeding 10000mtrs, the licence will be granted by the respective
Circle Office of the Department of Explosives.

3.
Procedure : In this section the details of the following procedure are stated:

a) Grant of
licence

b) Renewal of
licence

c) Amendment
of licence

d) Checklist
during inspection

NB: Specimen drawings are also enclosed.

A. Grant of Licence

Various on-line steps adopted
for grant of licence in form-24 are as under:

Submission
of drawings and the other required documents by the applicant to the
licensing authority for construction approval of the proposed premises.

Approval
of the drawing by the licensing authority for construction of the
facilities in the proposed premises.

After
completion of construction of the facilities, submission of drawings and
the other required documents by the party including the NOC from the
District Authority to the licensing authority for grant of licence of the
premises.

Grant
of licence by the licensing authority.

Note:-
If the shop is already constructed then the party may apply to the licensing
authority for direct grant of licence.

The detailed
step by step procedure are as under:

Applicants
Action:- Submission of documents by applicant for construction approval:

Applicant must submit the
following documents to the licensing authority for prior approval for
construction of facilities:

Application
Form-4 duly filled in and signed by the applicant/authorised employee.
Typed copy of form-4 (given in the Explosives Rules, 1983) is acceptable.
Please note that no column of the form is be left blank. Inapplicable
columns should be filled as NA i.e., not applicable. Full postal address
with pin code should be written. No overwriting or major corrections will
be accepted. Minor correction should be initialed.

Three
copies of drawings (blue print or computerized without hand
correction). Each copy of drawing must show the details of site, layout,
construction, sectional and elevation view and necessary noting as stated
below:

Prescribed
scrutiny fee as bank draft in favour of appropriate head and payable at
appropriate place

Regarding site: The site
plan must show the proposed premises and details of all the structures like
roads, road-directions, residential area, other buildings, structures,
adjoining properties, name of the adjoining factories, approach road, the
distances from the km stone, road junction etc. confined within 100 s radius
on all sides around the proposed premises, as per scale. Specific clearance
observed by the proposed premises with regards to the nearest building and any
open source of fire or over-head electric line coming within the 100mtrs
radius should be clearly indicated. In addition to the above, the details of
structures, shops, nature of shops, name of the shops, etc. lying within the
15mtrs around the proposed fire works shop must be shown clearly and
separately.

Note:

The
purpose of the site plan is to identify and demarcate the location of the
premises. In many cases the area up to 100 meters is open land and hence
such cases does not fulfil the main purpose. Sometimes reference
structures lie or located much beyond 100 meters. Therefore all such
reference structures (even not coming within the scale of the drawing) for
example the nearest km stone, road crossing with road directions, temple,
village, schools, hospitals, canals, rivers, railway line or other such
immovable reference structures along with approach road to the premises
may also be incorporated in the site details for proper identification of
the location and approach to the premises.

The
applicant should ensure and confirm that the site selected for the
proposed premises should have a clear title or undisputed legal status.

The
proposed premises should have proper access and approach road for the
purpose of inspection, fire-fighting and rescue operation, movement of
fire-tenders etc.

The
proposed site should no way interfere or bring legal confrontation with
other Acts and Rules administered by the Central Govt., State Govt., local
authority etc. and in no way adversely affect the public interest.

The
proposed site should have preferably open land surrounding it and should
not be vulnerable to natural calamities.

As
per Rule-137 of Explosives Rules, 1983 there should not be any premises
used for storage of similar explosives, flammable or hazardous materials
within the radius of minimum 15mtrs from the proposed shop. Therefore, the
details of the structures lying within 15mtrs from the proposed shop must
be shown clearly and separately in the drawing.

Regarding
layout plan:

The
layout of the premises should show the plan view of the shops

The
layout plan must show the dimensions of the shop.

Regarding
sectional/elevation view:

The
drawing should show the sectional view of the fire works shop both
cross-sectional and the longitudinal view. The sectional view of the shop must
show the height and constructional and other details must also be incorporated
in the drawing. The height of the shop at least 10 feet high.

Note:

The
fire works shop shall be made of brick, stone or concrete building which
is closed and secured so as to prevent unauthorized person from having
access thereto.

The
shop shall have a floor area of minimum nine squares.

The
premises shall have independent entrance and exit.

If
the premises are situated in a building used for other purposes also, such
premises shall not be situated under a staircase and shall be so located
as not to be obstruct any passage in from or to the building in case of
fire or accident.

The
shop shall be situated at ground level.

Noting
to be depicted in the drawing
:

All
important noting as given above should be incorporated in the drawing. The
drawing must indicate Khasra/Survey/ Kila No./Shop No. and full address of the
situation of the premises.

In
addition to the above, Adequate notes must be incorporated in the drawing as
follows :

The
electrical fitting should be properly concealed or of fixed type.

Adequate
fire fighting facilities like fire-extinguishers, water buckets, sand
buckets shall be provided at the premises.

No
fire works shall be stored in the close vicinity of electric switches.

The
electric switched must preferably be out side the fire works shops and if
the switches are inside, it should be provided at the front part of the
shop and should be installed within a metal box with metal cover. The
electrical line should preferably be tested and repaired so as to maintain
it in proper condition.

Bengal
matches and other safety matches should not be stored inside the fire
works shop.

Amorces
should be stored separately.

Fire
works shall be kept in original boxes on the shelves and no loose fire
works shall be displayed at the front part of the shops.

The
front part of the shop should not be extended illegally beyond the NOC
area.

The
door of the shop be made of wood opening outside and if rolling shutter is
provided, proper stopper at a height shall be provided to prevent the
shutter from falling down accidentally.

No
prohibited/un-authorized fire works should be stored within the shop. Only
authorized manufactured fire works not exceeding the noise level of
decibel as fixed by Central Pollution Board should be
stored.

No
other article(s) should be stored or sold along with fireworks from the
shop.

Departmental
Action : Approval of Drawing

The
documents submitted by the applicant should be verified and proper
scrutiny should be exercised as follows:

The
application form submitted by the applicant is checked to confirm that the
proper mailing address, signature of the party and all other relevant
columns have been duly filled in by the applicant. No overwriting or
major corrections is entertained. Minor correction if any, is attested by
the applicant.

Departmental
Action : Verification of Drawing

The
following check are carried out:

In
the site plan of the drawing whether proper road direction with approach has
been shown for exact identification of location. Khasra no., distances from
other existing structures etc. has to be shown in the plan. If most of the
distances have been given but in case there is any inadvertent omission
regarding distance from proposed premises to few surrounding
structure/facilities then such distance(s) will be read as per scale given in
the drawing.

Sectional
view is being properly shown or not. Necessary noting and full address of the
situation of the premises are incorporated in the drawing. Drawing
is preferably be signed by the applicant or authorised employee (in case of
company). Any other additional instruction of CCE/Licensing authority and
various guideline are complied with.

After
necessary scrutiny of documents as referred above if, the documents are found
in order and conforming to the Explosives Rules-1983 (see rules-135 to
138 of the Explosives Rules,1983) then necessary approval is accorded with
intimation to the applicant to submit the required documents for grant of
licence after completion of the construction as per the approved drawing . The
licensing authority may impose conditions as deemed proper. Approval
should be generally given for a certain period. In many cases it is seen that
after taking approval and laps of considerable time and party even does not
apply for grant of license for one reason or the other. In the mean time Rules
are amended or revised executive orders are issued. These entail complicated
situation both for the party and the licensing authority. To overcome these
difficulties, approval is considered valid for 6 month and is renewable for
another 6 months on request. After receipt of the approval, the party may
start construction of the facilities in the proposed premises as per the
approved drawing and after completion of the construction the documents should
be submitted by the party for grant of license.

Note:

In
this connection it is stated that one of the important documents is NOC
from District Authority. In some cases it is seen that the NOC is
considerably delayed and as a consequence, grant of licence is delayed and
finally the party will have to suffer irreparable loss due to
non-commissioning of the premises after construction. So it is advisable
that soon after getting approval and before undertaking the
construction work, the party should immediately approach the District
Authority and submit replica of approved drawing etc. to the District
Authority for NOC and get the matter cleared.

The
party should ensure that construction of facilities and the premises are
confined within the NOC land.

It
is reasonable to prehensile that the purpose of NOC is to ensure the
lawful possession of the site and verification of antecedent of the
applicant.

Applicants
Action :
Submission of documents by the applicants for grant of licence

After
completion of the facilities the applicant has to the following documents:

Appropriate
Bank Draft for Rs 300 as licence fee payable in same manner as mentioned
during approval.

The
NOC dully stamped and signed by the District Authority with date . The NOC
should not be more than 2 years old.

Whether
there is other discrepancies etc. In case of any discrepancy in the
NOC with reference to the applicants address in Form-4 then the matter to
be enquired and referred to the concerned applicant or DM as the case may
be, the action is to be initiated only after reconciliation of the
discrepancy /rectifying the anomaly.

If
NOC is conditional, the licensing authority is reasonably satisfied
that the condition stipulated in NOC will be applicable or not. If
applicable an undertaking to that effect or compliance to that effect to
be ensured before grant of licence.

The
drawings are replica of approved drawing . If not, matter is to be
reconciled for necessary action .

If the documents are found in
order and the licensing authority is satisfied that there is no legal
constraint in grant of licence then the licence is granted. However, the
licensing authority is to inspect the premises prior to grant of license. The
variation or discrepancy noticed during the inspection is complied with and
the compliance report should be submitted for verification and there after the
licence is endorsed and issued to the party.

B.
Renewal of Licence

A
licence may be renewed by the authority empowered to grant such licence,
provided that a licence which has been granted by the Chief Controller is
be renewed without any alteration by a Controller duly authorized by the
Chief Controller in this behalf:

Provided that a licence which has been granted by the district authority
may be renewed without any alteration by a
Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an Executive Magistrate or a Taluka
Magistrate duly authorized by the district authority in the behalf.

The
Controller authorized by the Chief Controller under sub-rule (1) may, and
when so required by the Chief Controller, shall require the licensee to
follow the procedure laid down under sub-rule (1) of the rule 156 before
renewing licence in Form 20 or Form 21 or Form 22.

Every
application for the renewal of a licence shall be made so as to reach the
licensing authority or the authority empowered to renew the licence at
least 30 days before the date on which the licence expires, and if the
application is so made, the licence shall be deemed to be in force until
such date as the licensing authority renews the licence or until an
intimation that the renewal of the licence is refused has been
communicated to the applicant.

Every
application under sub-rule (3) for renewal of the licence shall be
accompanied by the following documents;

application
in Form 13; The form 13 must be filled in properly. No item from the form 13
should be left blank. Inappropriate terms must be deleted
clearly.

the
original licence together with its enclosures and approved plans,
Schedules and Forms; (the drawings and other enclosures of the licence
are part and parcel of the licence and should not be detached from the
licence.)

prescribed
renewal fee for a period of 2 years.

The
same fee shall be charged for the renewal of a licence for each year as
for grant thereof:

Provided that if the application for renewal is not received within the
time specified in sub-rule (3), the licence shall be renewed only on
payment of double fee as ordinarily payable for the license.

Provided further that if the renewal application together with complete
documents specified under sub-rule (4) is received by the licensing
authority after the date of expiry but not later than 30 days from the
date of expiry; and if the licensing authority is satisfied that such
delay is beyond the control of the licensee, the licence may, without
prejudice to any other action that may be taken in this behalf, be renewed
on payment of double the fee ordinarily payable for the licence.

In
case of an application for the renewal of the licence for a period of more
than one year at a time, the fee prescribed under proviso of sub-rule (5),
if payable, shall be paid only for the first financial year of renewal.

Every
licence granted under these rules other than a licence granted for a
specified period shall be renewable for two years where there has been no
contravention of the Act or the rules framed thereunder or of any
condition of the licence so renewed.

Where
a licence renewed for more than one financial year is surrendered before
its expiry, the renewal fee paid for the unexpired portion of the licence
shall be refunded to the licensee provided that no refund of renewal fee
shall be made for any financial year during which—

the
licensing authority received the renewed licence for surrender;

any
explosive is received or stored on the authority of the licence.

No
licence shall be renewed if the application for renewal is received by the
licensing authority after 30 days of the date of its expiry.

When
a licence is renewed by the Chief Controller a Controller, an intimation
to that effect shall be sent to the district authority concerned and when
a licence is renewed by the district authority, intimation to that effect
shall be sent to the Controller having jurisdiction.

As
per the executive Chief Controller of Explosives, Nagpur before every
renewal NOC from District Magistrate is sought. However as per rule 165(3)
if the renewal application is received within due date the licence shall
be deemed to be in force until such date as the licensing authority renews
the licence or until an intimation that renewal of licence is refused is
communicated to the licensee.

C.
Amendment of Licence

The licences issued under the Explosives Rules, 1983 can not be
transferred. In case of change of name, new licence is to be granted after
observing all the formalities. The licence can be amended in respect of
alteration in the facilities etc. only if the licence is valid.

Any
licence granted under these rules may be amended by the authority
empowered to g rant the licence provided that amendment shall not be
inconsistent with the provisions of these rules.

A licensee who desires to have his licence amended shall submit the
following particulars to the licensing authority, namely:

an
application stating nature of the
amendment and the reasons therefor;

the
original licence together with enclosures to it;

plans
showing the details of the proposed amendment is such plans are required by the
licensing authority for the purpose of amendment;

prescribed
scrutiny fee;

prescribed amendment
fee.

The licensing authority after scrutiny of the documents submitted
under sub-rule (2) and after making such further inquiries and taking
such action as deemed necessary may take suitable action to amend the
licence.

The
Explosives licence in Form
25under Explosive Rules, 1983 granted by
respective circle office of the Department of Explosives.

Note:
For details please see the licence Form
25 given in the Explosive Rules, 1983 and Article 9 of fourth Schedule under the
Explosive Rules 1983, rule 155 of the Explosive Rules,1983, Specification 1 of
Schedule VII annexed to the Explosive Rules,1983.

3.
Procedure : In this section the details of the following procedure are stated:

a) Grant of
licence

b) Renewal of
licence

c) Amendment
of licence

d) Checklist
during inspection

A. Grant of Licence

Various on-line steps adopted
for grant of licence in form-25 are as under:

Submission
of drawings and the other required documents by the applicant to the
licensing authority for fabrication approval of the proposed van.

Approval
of the drawing by the licensing authority for fabrication of the
facilities in the proposed van.

After
completion of fabrication of the facilities, submission of drawings and
the other required documents by the party.

Grant
of licence by the licensing authority.

The detailed
step by step procedure are as under:

Applicants
Action:- Submission of documents by applicant for construction approval:

Applicant must submit the
following documents to the licensing authority for grant of licence:

Bank
draft of Rs. 600 as scrutiny fee and licence fee for two years. The B/D
should be drawn on any nationalised bank, in favour of Jt. CCE/appropriate
authority and should be payable at appropriate place as applicable for the
concerned licensing authority.
The Bank Draft should have at least 2 months validity from the date of
submission of application for grant of licence.

Note: Explosive Van licence renewal for 2 years at a time.

Application
Form 7 duly filled in and signed by the applicant/ authorised employee.
Typed copy of form 7 (given in the Explosive Rules, 1983) is acceptable.
Please note that no column of the form should be left blank. Inapplicable
columns should be filled as NA i.e., not applicable. Full postal address
with pin code should be written. No overwriting or major corrections will
be accepted. Minor correction should be initialed.

Application
Form 7 duly filled in and signed by the applicant/ authorised employee.
Typed copy of form 7 (given in the Explosive Rules, 1983) is acceptable.
Please note that no column of the form should be left blank. Inapplicable
columns should be filled as NA i.e., not applicable. Full postal address
with pin code should be written. No overwriting or major corrections will
be accepted. Minor correction should be initialed.

Three
copies of drawings (blue print or computerized one without hand
correction). Each copy of drawing must show the details of construction,
dimensions ( i.e. the length, width/dia, height, plate thickness, distance
between tyres, type of tyres total length, gap between the cab and the
body, the rear gap, position and the nos. of the fire extinguishers,
location and guarding of the fuel tank, the location of the various
safety fittings, fire screen, the gap between fire screen and ground,
double leaf door at the back of the Van opening outside, brass plate with
usual fall at the door sil level, position of spare wheel etc. The drawing
must also show necessary noting like registration no., engine no., chassis
no., fabricator’s name, applicant’s full postal address with pin code
etc.

For
detailed construction, please see Specifications 1 of Schedule VII
to the Explosive Rules, 1983.

The
licence for Explosive Van only granted to person/company who already
possesses valid magazine licence.

Departmental
Action : Approval of Drawing

The
documents submitted by the applicant are verified and proper scrutiny is
exercised as follows:

* If bank
draft is found defective or validity expiring shortly, the draft is
returned to the party. On receipt of proper bank draft, scrutiny and other
checks are carried out.

The application Form 7
submitted by the party is checked to confirm that the proper mailing
address, signature of the party and all other relevant columns have been
duly filled in by the applicant. No overwriting or major corrections
are entertained. Minor correction if any, is attested by the applicant.

Departmental
Action : Verification of Drawing

The
following check are carried out:

If
the documents are found in order and the licensing authority is satisfied
that there is no legal constraint in grant of licence then the licence is
granted. However, the licensing authority has liberty to get the premises
inspected prior to grant of license. In the event of inspection is carried out
then variation or discrepancy noticed during the inspection are complied with
and the compliance report should be submitted for verification and there after
the licence is granted.

B.
Renewal of Explosive Van Licence

Various
on-line steps adopted for renewal of licence in Form
25 are as under:

Submission
of original licence along with the approved drawings and the other
required documents by the applicant to the licensing authority for renewal
of licence.

Renewal
of licence by the Renewing Authority.

Departmental
Action :
Renewal of Licence

The
documents submitted by the applicant should be verified and proper
scrutiny should be exercised as follows:

If
bank draft is found defective or validity expiring shortly is returned to
the party. On receipt of proper bank draft, scrutiny and other checks are
carried out.

The
application form submitted by the party are checked to confirm that the
proper mailing address, signature of the party and all other relevant
columns is duly filled in by the applicant. No overwriting or major
corrections are made. Minor correction if any, are attested by the
applicant.

Certificate
from the licensee that there is no change in the Explosives Van.

That
no compliance of the inspection report is pending.

If
the documents are found in order and the licensing authority is satisfied
that there is no legal constraint in grant of licence then the licence is
renewed. However, the licensing authority has liberty to get the van
inspected prior to renewal of license. In the event of inspection is
carried out then whatever variation or discrepancy noticed during the
inspection must be complied with and the compliance report should be
submitted for verification and there after the licence may be granted.

On
receipt of required documents from the applicant, the department will
scrutinize the application and take action towards grant of licence in Form 27
for import of explosives by Sea without referring the matter to the Ministry.

2.
Import of Explosives by Land

No licence for import
of explosives by Land shall be granted without the previous sanction in each
case of the Central Government and under such conditions and restrictions as
it may impose in consultation with CCE.

Applicant
Action

The applicant for import of explosives by Land should submit the following
documents to CCE.

Application
in Form 10. If the explosives are of Class 3 containing Nitroglycerine,
the heat test for NG is required to be carried out and the custom
clearance should be based on the results of heat test (Rule 21)

No
Objection Certificate from the Central Government for import of
explosives. Documentary evidence that the applicant possess. The licence
magazine or storehouse for storing the imported quantity of explosives.

Departmental
Action

On
receipt of required documents from the applicant, the department will
scrutinize the same and if satisfied that the explosives are authorised type
will grant import licence in Form 27.

3. Import
of explosives by Air

Import of
explosives by Air is permitted only at the Airports of Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta
& Madras and any other International Airports authorised for this purpose
by the Central Government.

Any explosives which is not included in Schedule VI shall not be imported by
Air

Applicant
Action

The
applicant for import of explosives by Air should submit the following
documents to CCE :

On
receipt of proper documents, the department makes a reference to the Ministry
for grant of No Objection Certificate for import of explosives by Air. On
receipt of above No Objection Certificate, the licence in Form 27
is granted.

As per the Explosives Rules,
1983, the licence is required for export of explosives. The explosives can be
exported in three ways:

1. By Sea

2. By Land

3. By Air

The export of explosives is
permitted only if the explosives are authorised explosives. The procedure for
obtaining licence for Export of explosives depend on whether the export will be
by Sea or by Land or by Air and are as under: -

1. Export of Explosives by
Sea

The
export of explosives by Sea is permitted only at certain ports authorised by the
Ministry of Surface Transport i.e. Bombay, Cochin, Calcutta at Diamond Harbour,
Madras, Tutucorin & Visakhapatnam.

Applicant
Action

The applicant has to submit the following documents to CCE for export of
explosives by Sea :-

On receipt of proper documents,
the department makes a reference to the Ministry for grant of No Objection
Certificate for import of explosives by Air. On receipt of above No Objection
Certificate, the licence in Form
28 is granted.

Licence in Form 38 of Explosives Rules,
1983 is granted for manufacture of Ammonium Nitrate – Fuel Oil (ANFO)
explosives at site. The licensing authority is Jt. Chief Controller of
Explosives of the concerned circle office.

ANFO explosives shall be manufactured in a lightly constructed shed
observing 9 s clear distance on all site and covered by 2 s high barbed wire fencing.

The shed shall have a smooth cemented platform standing at least 30 Cms
above the ground level on the floor shall be surrounded by a brick wall at least
1 high with opening for entrance
and exist on opposite sides.

Mixing of aluminium nitrate and fuel oil shall be done in the
manufacturing shed either by hand in an aluminium or aluminium lined wooden tray
or by a machine which has been approved by CCE.

The ANFO explosives shall be manufactured in quantities required for
minimum use. No storage of ANFO explosives is permitted.

Procedure for licence

Applicant
Action

The applicant for manufacture of
ANFO explosives should submit the following documents to the concerned Jt. Chief
Controller of Explosives for the drawing approval :

6 copies of site layout and construction plan of the ANFO mixing shed.

A No Objection Certification from the Chief Inspector of Mines under
Mines Act, 1957.

Departmental
Action

On receipt of proper documents
& drawings, the concerned Jt. Chief Controller of Explosives will scrutinize
the documents and if found in order will approve the same.

After completion report of construction as per the approved drawing and
licence fee of Rs. 200/- per year the licence is granted in Form 38
of the said rules and will be sent for inspection and endorsement of
the licence to the concerned office.

Note
: Licence in Form 38
& Form 39 are
granted for 2 years at a time and are renewable after every 2 years by paying
the requisite renewal fee. The
renewal application is to be submitted to the circle office so as to reach 30
days before the date of expiry of the licence.

A No Objection Certification from the Chief Inspector of Mines under
Mines Act, 1957.

Departmental
Action

On receipt of proper documents
& drawings, the CCE will scrutinize the documents and if found in order will
approve the same.

After completion report of construction as per the approved drawing and
licence fee of Rs. 1000/- per year (under revision) the licence is granted in Form 39
of the said rules and will be sent for inspection and endorsement of
the licence to the concerned office.

SMS
means Site Mixed Slurry Explosive. The non-explosive matrix is manufactured in a
support plant located in proximity to the mines where the explosive is used.
From the support plant, the non-explosive matrix is pumped into BMD vehicle
(Bulk Mix Dispenser) for making explosive by adding gassing agent and delivery
to boreholes. The support plant is are of two types : viz -

Where matrix is not manufactured but with stored in Silo - matrix
manufactured in company’s mother plant and transported by tanker into the Silo
of the support plant. Such plant has own Silo BMD vehicle, raw material store,
administrative block, workers, etc.

Applicant
Action

Any person desiring to obtain a licence in Special Form for setting up a
SMS Support Plant has to submit the following particulars to CCE, Nagpur: -

Site & construction plan of the SMS Support Plant premises indicating
therein: -

Raw material store;

Solution preparation & storage tank;

Quality control laboratory;

Garage & maintenance shed;

Utility shed;

Administrative block;

P&I diagram, as the case may be depending on the type of support
plant.

Process of manufacture of non-explosive matrix with process flow diagram
with scrutiny fee of Rs. 200/-

Composition of non-explosive matrix for approval along with
necessary scrutiny fee of Rs. 100/.

Fabrication drawings of BMD vehicle including P&I diagram for
approval along with scrutiny fee (Rs. 500/-).

Departmental
Action

On scrutiny of above documents, if the proposal is found satisfactory,
the case is referred to the concerned District Magistrate along with site plan
for obtaining his No Objection Certificate for setting up of the proposed plant.

On receipt of NOC from District Magistrate, permission for construction
of the support plant is granted.

On receipt of (1) completion report on construction of the SMS plant (2)
satisfactory report on non-explosive nature of the matrix tests to be conducted
in present of departmental field officer (3) fabrication of BMD vehicle (4)
licence fee (similar as Form 20 licence) (5) consent letter for carrying out
field trials/blasting from concerned mines/co. a licence in Special Form is
granted for manufacture of Class 2 bulk slurry/emulsion explosives. Annual
manufacturing capacity is decided with number of BMD vehicles attached to the
plant and the distance of their area of operation from the support plant.
Normally manufacture of 1500 tones per year per vehicle is considered. This may
vary depending on the capacity of the BMD vehicle and distance from plant to
mining area.

The licence is sent to the concerned circle/sub-circle office of the
department for endorsement. After endorsement, the licence comes into force.

Portable
magazines are generally used for the storage of limited quantity of
explosives for a limited period. Those magazines are generally used by
ONGC, OIL etc for seismic works etc.

Explosives
carrying boxes are used for carrying small quantity of explosives from
magazine to the site.

Any new
explosive proposed for manufacture and use requires approval for its
authorisation for its inclusion in list of authorised explosives.

There is
procedure for issue certificate for Foreman engaged in explosives
manufacturing unit.

Generation
of Acetylene from Calcium Carbide is a hazardous process ad for
fabrication Acetylene Generator, approval is required.

The use of site mixed
slurry is increasing day by day. BMD vehicles are specially designed for
carrying non explosive matrix along with other ingredients to blasting
site. Approval is required for BMD system attached to licensed SMS plant.

Portable
Magazine is a metallic container specially constructed in accordance with the
design approved by CCE, Nagpur and intended for storage of explosives in various
quantities depending on the size of the magazine, maximum 500 Kgs of High
Explosives, or 44,000 Nos. Ordinary Detonators or 12,000 Nos. of Electric
Detonators or 10,000 s of Detonating Fuse.

These
magazines are fabricated from mild steel plates of minimum 5-6mm thickness.

The
interior of the magazine is lined with smooth joint-less warp-proof wooden
boards of minimum 12mm thickness. There is no gap on the corners or
elsewhere to conceal split explosives.

A
wide door is made of 5-6mm thick new mild steel plates and lined internally
with one-piece smooth and warp-proof wooden board of 12mm thickness. The
hinges, door catch and holdfasts are rugged and completely concealed.
Non-ferrous metal has been provided to prevent frictional sparks from the
door catch and hold fasts. The door is fitted with strong pack locks as used
in iron safes. Additional hasps have been provided in the magazine for pack
lock.

An
air gap is provided between the outer steel shell of the magazines and the
inner wooden lining to allow all round free circulation of air. For security
and for preventing entry of water, the ventilating holes in the outer steel
shell are shrouded and placed well away from the ventilating holes in the
inner wooden lining. Detonator magazine has no ventilating holes, as these
are not required.

The
magazines are protected against corrosion by a thick coating of
anticorrosive paint.

The
portable magazines are installed and fixed on M.S. channels by bolts,
keeping an inter-distance of at least 1.5M between the boxes for high
explosives and detonators. A weather protecter of AC sheet is provided over
the portable magazines and area around 15M fenced for protection/security.

A
lightning conductor system as per IS:2309 is also provided for these
portable magazines. The conductor is fixed on a pole on the channel in
between the magazines and earthing is provided.

Different
types of portable magazines for storage of different kinds and quantities of
explosives have been approved.

Portable
magazines are allowed for possession & use of explosives under licence
in Form 22 only and not for sale of explosives under licence
Form 21.

Approval
of Portable Magazine:

The design of the portable
magazine is required to be approved by CCE. The applicant should submit the
following to CCE:-

7 copies of detailed design & construction drawings of each model of
portable magazine with specification of all parts/components.

Departmental
Action

On receipt of application, the documents are scrutinized. If the
documents are found satisfactory the applicant is permitted to manufacture on
prototype magazine and the facilities of the applicant as well as the prototype
magazine are inspected by the field officer (circle/sub-circle) of the
department.

On receipt of report of perusal/inspection from the field officer,
approval is granted by CCE.

The carrying
boxes are made of 6mm MS plate lined inside with wrap proof wooden board. They
are fitted with strong dead locks and two additional loops for padlock. The
carrying capacity of these is limited to 5 Kgs of high explosives or 200 nos.
detonators. Separate boxes are required to be used for carrying high explosives
and detonators separately.

Approval

Manufacturer of
these carrying boxes has to obtain approval of CCE by submitting drawings of
boxes giving all details of specification and scrutiny fee by a Demand Draft of
Rs. 500/- (for each model) payable to CCE, Nagpur

Departmental
Action

On perusal of the documents, if the specification and drawings meet the
requirements, CCE allows the applicant to manufacture one/two prototype box for
inspection/examination of the same by departmental officer. On receipt of
satisfactory report of the inspecting officer, final approval of the carrying
box is granted by CCE.

Any
person desirous of including an explosive in the list of authorised explosives
shall apply by submitting an application therefor to the Chief Controller.

Applicants
Action

The application submitted in accordance with sub-rule (1) shall be in
writing and accompanied by following particulars:

the nature and composition of the explosive;

the limiting percentage of each ingredient of the explosive;

any substitute or substitutes for any specified ingredient;

in the case of a new explosive to be manufactured in India, the process
by which it is proposed to carry out its manufacture;

where an explosives is enclosed in a case or other contrivance, the
dimensions of the case or other contrivance, the quantity, nature and brand of
explosive contained therein, the method of function and performance
characteristics of the explosive and instructions governing the use of the case
or other contrivance;

the box, wrapping or other container in which the explosive will be
handled, used or displayed or otherwise distributed including the markings
thereon; and

the package in which the explosive will be transported and stored
including the markings thereon.

Departmental
Action

When, in the opinion of the Chief Controller, an
explosive in respect of which an application is made may properly be considered
for authorisation, the Chief Controller shall instruct the applicant as to the
samples required and the manner of forwarding the same to him, or to any other
authority specified by the Chief Controller in this behalf.

Note:

No person shall send a sample of an explosive unless such person
has first received the instruction referred to under sub-rule (3).

No person shall send a sample of an explosive otherwise than in
accordance with instructions given by the Chief Controller under sub-rule (3).

Sample forwarded
under sub-rule (3) shall be subjected to such of the tests enumerated in clause
(ii) of this rule as are necessary having regard to the nature and type of
explosive submitted to ensure that the explosive is capable of being safety
manufactured, handled, stored transported and used.

The tests referred to
in clause (i) pertain to –

Physical properties including consistency, reaction tendency to absorb
moisture, segregation in transport or otherwise of the constituents, exudation,
behaviour at low temperatures, specific gravity and such other physical
properties as may be considered necessary;

Chemical composition – determination of the percentage composition of
the ingredients forming the explosive, and the quality of the ingredients
employed in its manufacture;

Stability – determination of stability after subjection to such varying
environmental conditions as would tend to produce spontaneous ignition or
variation in sensitiveness of an explosive;

Mechanical sensitiveness – determination of sensitiveness to friction
and impact;

Air gap sensitivity and transmission of detonation;

Velocity of detonating;

Determination of strength;

Composition of gases evolved upon explosion;

Such other tests as the Chief Controller may specify.

An explosives tested in accordance with sub-rule (6) shall be declared by
the Central Government on recommendation of Chief Controller to be an authorised,
explosive if, it is satisfied that such an explosive can be safely manufactured,
handled, stored, transported and used.

Authorisation issued by the Central Government under sub-rule (7) in
respect of any imported explosive shall be valid for one year from the date of
authorisation, provided the foreign manufacturer certifies that there has been
no change in the composition or any other characteristics of the explosives.

The Chief Controller may at any time subject any explosive to the tests
enumerated in sub-rule (6). As a
result of the tests or otherwise if the Chief Controller is satisfied that the
explosive is no longer safe for manufacture, handling, storage, transport or
use, may recommend deletion of such explosive from the authorised list.

The Chief Controller on completion of the testing of an explosive, in
pursuance of sub-rule (6) shall advise the Central Government in writing –

whether or not the explosives should be declared to be an authorised
explosive; and

where the explosive is declared to be an authorised explosive, the class
including any division and sub-division within which the explosive falls.

the class, including any
division and sub-divisions thereof, within which each explosive falls ; and

the safety distance
category and the corresponding United Nation’s classification number and
division.

A list of authorised
explosives that, by licence or permit, are authorised to be manufactured in, or
imported into India shall be published by the Central Government from time to
time.

No alteration in the
composition, limiting percentage of ingredients or substitute ingredients. The
process of manufacture, the description and construction of the case or the
contrivance as declared in accordance with clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of
sub-rule (2) shall be carried out without prior approval of the Central
Government:

Provided that the Chief
Controller may order fresh test to be carried out if the proposed alteration in
the percentage, composition, nature of ingredients, process of manufacture or
construction of the case or contrivance of the explosive are likely to change
the result s of the original test prescribed in this rule.

Acetylene generator is an apparatus specially designed for manufacture of
Acetylene by reaction of Calcium Carbide with water.

Acetylene is a highly flammable gas, having a very wide explosive
limits/range; LEL-2% UEL-82%. This gas having a triple bond between the carbon
atoms is very unstable and has the peculiar property of explosion risk, even in
the absence of air/oxygen, due to decomposition (by the application of
pressure/stimuli) into elemental carbon and Hydrogen. Such accidents are
identified by the presence of deposits of black soot (carbon) on the equipments.

Due to the above hazardous nature of Acetylene, Government of India vide
Notification
No. GSR-625(E), dated 07/08/1983, has prohibited manufacture, possession
and transportation of Acetylene except under certain conditions as stipulated in
the said notification.

Acetylene
generator has to comply with the following requirements:

The apparatus shall be so constructed that lime sludge cannot gain access
to or clog any pipe intended for the passage of gas or the water feed. Sludge
overflow or outlet shall be large enough to avoid frequent clogging.

The use of
glass in water gage, sight boxes, shall be avoided, but where provision of glass
is absolutely necessary as part of the apparatus it shall be effectively
protected against fracture or fragmentation.

The
apparatus shall be so constructed that it is not possible, even by incorrect
manipulation of cocks, to seal the generating chamber hermetically.

The empty
space above the water level in a generator shall be as small as is consistent
with the proper working of the apparatus.

No metal
containing more than 70 per cent of copper shall be present in any portion of
the apparatus.

The various
parts of the apparatus shall be of adequate strength to withstand any pressures
that may be generated therein.

The size of
the pipes carrying the gas shall be proportional to the maximum rate of
generation, so that undue backpressure from throttling may not occur.

The apparatus shall have an arrangement to generate
acetylene gas as fast as it can be used/removed and must stop generating
immediately the gas delivery is closed, or the gas holder is filled.

The apparatus shall have an efficiency of at least 90 per cent.

The temperature of any part of the apparatus when working shall not
exceed 80 degree C. Suitable means for ascertaining the temperature of those
parts where heat is liable to be generated shall be provided:

Provided that if it be shown to the satisfaction of
the Chief Controller that a higher temperature is necessary in any generating
apparatus and that such higher temperature may be used without danger, the Chief
Controller may allow the use of higher temperature under such conditions as he
may specify.

(a) The apparatus used shall not be made to work at a pressure exceeding
0.15 Kg/cm2 (150 cm water column) :

Provided
that if it be shown to the satisfaction of the Chief Controller that a higher
pressure is necessary in any generating apparatus and that such higher pressure
may be used without danger, the Chief Controller may allow the use of higher
pressure upto a maximum of 1.55 Kg/cm2 (1550 cm water column) under such conditions as he may specify.

(b) In the use of the apparatus, regard shall be had to the danger of
stoppage of passage of the gas and consequent increase of pressure (i.e. even if
the gas supply be cut off or any of the pipes become blocked, the pressure in
the generator must not exceed its design working pressure).

(a) Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent any escape of gas from
the apparatus.

(b) Gas holders
shall be fitted with blow off pipes carried upto a suitable point in the open
air. The inlet and outlet of gas holder shall be provided with shut-off valves
which can be easily closed in an emergency.

(a) The carbide shall be completely decomposed in the apparatus, so that
the lime sludge discharge there from shall not be capable of generating more
gas.

(b) The apparatus shall give no tarry or other heavy consideration
products from the decomposition of the carbide.

(a) An open tank shall be provided in the open air for the reception of
all residue and such residue shall remain for at least ten hours in not less
than four times its bulk of water in such tank.

(b) Precautions
shall be taken to prevent any lime sludge from being discharged into the drains.

(c) No source of ignition shall
be brought within 9 s from a tank used for reception of lime sludge.

An apparatus shall have an efficient arrangement capable of effectively
preventing a flash back from the acetylene delivery pipe to the generator or to
the gas holder, as the case may be.

All electrical motors, lights, switches and others fittings inside a shed
housing an apparatus for acetylene generation and within 15 s of such shed shall
be of flame proof construction conforming to IS:2148
and of a type approved by the Chief Controller.

(b) The shed shall be adequately
ventilated near the ground level and near the roof.

(c) A concrete floor covered
with suitable conductive material and raised at least 60 cms above the ground
level should be provided.

(d) Escape doors must open
outwards and give direct exit to the open space. Their position and number must
be such as to provide adequate means of exit in the event of an emergency.

The shed housing an apparatus shall maintain distance not less than 30 s
from an oxygen manufacturing plant building, 90 s from an air-intake point, 9 s
from sludge tank and 15 s from any other protected works:

Provided that
dissolved acetylene cylinder filling-cum-storage shed and carbide storage shed
may be adjoining and shed housing an apparatus for acetylene generation and in
such case the above mentioned distances shall be observed from the entire
building.

All apparatus, machinery and other equipment shall
be efficiently
earthed at all times. The
earthing connections should be tested at least once in a year and record of all
such tests maintained.

Nothing in conditions 11, 12, 13 & 14 shall apply to an apparatus of
a design requiring charge of carbide of calcium not exceeding 2 kgs at any one
time provided the same is kept in a room forming part of building with a
suitable exit leading to open space/road.

No part of an apparatus or connected distribution system shall be opened
without brining it down to the ambient temperature and no repair with flame or
heat shall be carried out unless the apparatus and connected distribution system
and the surroundings are made free of acetylene gas. All repairs shall be
carried out under the supervisions of an experienced person.

Instructions as to the use of apparatus shall be prominently exhibited on
or in close proximity to the apparatus.

Procedure of approval of
Acetylene Generator Design:

The Acetylene generator is required to be approved by CCE and
manufactured under BIS Certification for obtaining approval, the manufacturer
has to submit to CCE:-

Design drawings showing all details as per
IS:8471
and relevant requirements as per the notification, specification of materials,
etc. and design calculation duly vetted by BIS.

Details of manufacturing machinery & quality control equipments of
the applicant.

Details of technical manpower deployed with their qualification &
experience.

Process of manufacture & quality control
procedures/testings etc.

Copy of operating manual of the Acetylene generator.

Documentary evidence giving status of the Company like certificate of
registration.

Departmental
Action

On perusal of the documents, a preliminary assessment is made to assess
the safe design of the generator and adequacy capability of the applicant. If it
is found in order, the applicant is allowed to manufacture a prototype generator
which is inspected jointly by BIS & departmental officer. The report of
joint inspection is perused by CCE and if found satisfactory, the generator will
be allowed to be installed at the customers site which is to be separately
approved by CCE. Again a joint inspection by BIS & departmental officer is
conducted to witness the trial run/actual operation so as to assess the
performance of the generator. On receipt of satisfactory report, the Acetylene
Generator is approved by CCE

Note: -Once
a particular design of a generator is approved, the manufacturer may produce
them on regular basis under BIS Certification.

Use of
Acetylene Generator:

Acetylene produced as above find usage as under
:

For filling in cylinders.

For direct use in process plants/utilities.

Procedure for approval of
Acetylene generator for filling in cylinders is already described under the
Chapter of licensing for filling & storage of compressed gases.

For director use, the user is
required to obtain prior approval of CCE of the installation. The application should consist of :

Site & layout construction of the shed housing the generator and
associated facilities meeting the requirements of the notification.

Specification pipelines control systems & flash back arrestors etc.
If the documents are in order, CCE approves the installation. After
installation, the facilities and operation of the generator is inspected by
departmental officer to assess conformity with approved plans, required paras of
BIS Standards and performance. If the
inspection report is satisfactory, CCE issues permission for generation of
Acetylene.

The Bulk Mixed Dispensing Unit normally called as BMD vehicle is
specially designed for carrying non-explosive matrix along with other
ingredients like Ammonium Nitrate, gassing agent etc. in separate containers
mounted on a chassis to the blasting site. The vehicle also has a water tank, control panel, hydraulic oil tank,
radiator, hose reel with pump, hydraulic pump, product pump, air receiver,
gassing agent pump, water pump and a drivers cabin mounded on the chassis. The
mounting of various containers on the chassis is done in such a way that the
stability ratio of the vehicle is always less than 1.

Design of the BMD vehicle has
to comply with the following regarding electrical fittings:

When electrical power is supplied by a self-contained
motor-generator located on the vehicle, the generator shall be separated
from the discharge point of the explosives. The generator or the battery
shall be provided with a cut-off switch in a readily accessible position.

Wiring shall be so fixed and protected so as to
minimise accidental damage or undue wear.

The BMD vehicle body and equipment shall be
electrically continuous with the vehicle chassis. The frame of the mixer and
all other equipments that may be used shall be electrically bonded. Bonding
points and bonding cables for effective grounding shall be provided.

During mixing or loading, a positive grounding device and a
semi-conductive hose shall be used to prevent accumulation of static
electricity. The supervisor shall evaluate all system to ensure that they will
adequately dissipitate static electricity under potential field conditions.

The flexible hoses used to deliver explosives directly in the boreholes
shall be electrically and mechanically continuous.

At least two fire extinguishers of suitable size and capable of fighting
electrical and petroleum fires shall be provided on each vehicle in an easily
accessible position.

Approval
of BMD Vehicle

The BMD vehicle is attached to the SMS support plant licensed in
“Special Form” under Explosives Rules, 1983. In the said Special Form
licence, the particulars of the BMD vehicles attached to that plant are also
mentioned.

The applicant for BMD vehicle shall apply to CCE for approval of BMD
vehicle either along with his application for the support plant initially or
subsequently as the case may be. The application shall consist of :-